OEM CD & Product Key

G

Guest

1) I have a PC that got wiped out by a bad SP2 install and unsuccessful
recoveries. I do not have the XP Home OEM CD that came with that computer but
I do have an XP Home OEM CD that came with another. I do have the original
product key for the PC on which I need to reload XP. I've read various posts
but not sure I read anything about this situation.

2) Also, if I "scrap" an old PC can I reuse my XP OEM CD on my new PC?

thnxs....
 
J

Jim Macklin

If the two XP Home OEM CDs are from the same computer
manufacturer, the install or restore function MIGHT allow
the use of the product key from the other. But a HP, or
Compaq CD will not work on a Dell and a Dell Product key
will not work with a Microsoft supplied CD. Windows uses a
range of authorized PK for different versions and OEMs.
Suggest you contact the OEM to see what they offer in
replacement CDs. Or be prepared to buy a retail full
install of Windows XP.

The OEM software is "locked" by the EULA to the original
computer, you cannot move it to a new computer.


--
The people think the Constitution protects their rights;
But government sees it as an obstacle to be overcome.


| 1) I have a PC that got wiped out by a bad SP2 install and
unsuccessful
| recoveries. I do not have the XP Home OEM CD that came
with that computer but
| I do have an XP Home OEM CD that came with another. I do
have the original
| product key for the PC on which I need to reload XP. I've
read various posts
| but not sure I read anything about this situation.
|
| 2) Also, if I "scrap" an old PC can I reuse my XP OEM CD
on my new PC?
|
| thnxs....
 
G

Guest

Well... my OEM CD and my existing product key worked so I guess it was the
correct CD!! or, I was just LUCKY!

Is retail version software locked in the same manner - that is, if I have a
full retail version installed and that scrap that PC, can I use the same CD
on a new PC?

THANKS
 
J

Jupiter Jones [MVP]

Retail windows XP can be transferred an unlimited number of times to
any computers desired as long as it is only installed on one computer
at a time.
Another of the many reasons you pay less for OEM.
 
M

Menno Hershberger

Yes, as long as it is only installed on one computer. If you have trouble
activating it, you may have to call Microsoft and explain. From what I've
read in here though, if it's been over 120 days since it was previously
activated, then it should activate automatically.
 
L

Leythos

Another of the many reasons you pay less for OEM.

OEM can be moved to different machines, but branded OEM purchases can't.
I can purchase a MS OEM original and move it between machines as long as
it's only one one machine at a time - meaning I could wipe a machine,
replace it with a new one, and still use the old OEM install as long as
I wiped it from the first one.
 
J

Jupiter Jones [MVP]

Read the specific EULA for your OEM Windows and you will see your
errors.
The fact some OEM are bound to the BIOS and some are not is not
relevant to the licensing and EULA.
Do not confuse the ability to do something with compliance with the
EULA.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/


OEM can be moved to different
machines, but branded OEM purchases can't.
 
K

Ken Blake

In
Leythos said:
OEM can be moved to different machines, but branded OEM
purchases
can't. I can purchase a MS OEM original and move it between
machines
as long as it's only one one machine at a time - meaning I
could wipe
a machine, replace it with a new one, and still use the old OEM
install as long as I wiped it from the first one.


Sorry, that's not correct. This is a clear violation of the
licensing agreement, which ties an OEM version permanently to the
first computer it's installed on,
 
L

Leythos

In


Sorry, that's not correct. This is a clear violation of the
licensing agreement, which ties an OEM version permanently to the
first computer it's installed on,

I will check, sorry if I made a misstatement. I only purchase OEM for
clients systems, I don't own any OEM myself.

I got the information I stated from the Great Lakes regional office
people.
 
A

Andy Bonanno

2) Also, if I "scrap" an old PC can I reuse my XP OEM CD on my new PC?

All you can do is try. If the install says you need to call them for
activation, just tell them you upgraded the computer. They really don't
need any details. If they don't let you activate, then go buy the software.
How are they going to know any different if you don't tell them. In my
opinion, you bought the CD, you have it in your hands, you own it. You just
can't give copies away or use it on multiple machines.
 
Y

Yves Leclerc

Wouldn't the CD Key be "locked" to the original PC? The XP CD is normally
the same across the level (OEM XP Pro/Home, SP1/SP2). If the person has a
valid generic (not branded) OEM CD Key, then the media should be usable.
 
L

Leythos

Wouldn't the CD Key be "locked" to the original PC? The XP CD is normally
the same across the level (OEM XP Pro/Home, SP1/SP2). If the person has a
valid generic (not branded) OEM CD Key, then the media should be usable.

Did you know that you can purchase an OEM XP Prof CD with the purchase
of a Motherboard or a Hard Drive or even a MS Optical Mouse? I would
imagine that the license allows for replacement of computer parts as the
system is expanded, which could include every part in the system and
still be legit.

I have yet to see MS complain about reissuing a key when changing the
motherboard, hard drive, and video card on an OEM system.

I'm sure the intent was that the OEM stay with the system sold, but
since parts change frequently I would expect that the license allows for
that.
 
J

Jim Macklin

Retail Windows can be moved from computer to computer as
often as you wish, just one computer at a time.


--
The people think the Constitution protects their rights;
But government sees it as an obstacle to be overcome.


| Well... my OEM CD and my existing product key worked so I
guess it was the
| correct CD!! or, I was just LUCKY!
|
| Is retail version software locked in the same manner -
that is, if I have a
| full retail version installed and that scrap that PC, can
I use the same CD
| on a new PC?
|
| THANKS
|
| "Jim Macklin" wrote:
|
| > If the two XP Home OEM CDs are from the same computer
| > manufacturer, the install or restore function MIGHT
allow
| > the use of the product key from the other. But a HP, or
| > Compaq CD will not work on a Dell and a Dell Product key
| > will not work with a Microsoft supplied CD. Windows
uses a
| > range of authorized PK for different versions and OEMs.
| > Suggest you contact the OEM to see what they offer in
| > replacement CDs. Or be prepared to buy a retail full
| > install of Windows XP.
| >
| > The OEM software is "locked" by the EULA to the original
| > computer, you cannot move it to a new computer.
| >
| >
| > --
| > The people think the Constitution protects their rights;
| > But government sees it as an obstacle to be overcome.
| >
| >
message
| >
| > | 1) I have a PC that got wiped out by a bad SP2 install
and
| > unsuccessful
| > | recoveries. I do not have the XP Home OEM CD that came
| > with that computer but
| > | I do have an XP Home OEM CD that came with another. I
do
| > have the original
| > | product key for the PC on which I need to reload XP.
I've
| > read various posts
| > | but not sure I read anything about this situation.
| > |
| > | 2) Also, if I "scrap" an old PC can I reuse my XP OEM
CD
| > on my new PC?
| > |
| > | thnxs....
| >
| >
| >
 
M

Michael Stevens

Leythos said:
Did you know that you can purchase an OEM XP Prof CD with the purchase
of a Motherboard or a Hard Drive or even a MS Optical Mouse? I would
imagine that the license allows for replacement of computer parts as
the system is expanded, which could include every part in the system
and still be legit.

I have yet to see MS complain about reissuing a key when changing the
motherboard, hard drive, and video card on an OEM system.

I'm sure the intent was that the OEM stay with the system sold, but
since parts change frequently I would expect that the license allows
for that.

--

Click on or copy and paste the link below into your web browser address box.
OEM clarification.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/oemeula.htm
--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm
 
B

Bruce Chambers

Leythos said:
OEM can be moved to different machines, but branded OEM purchases can't.
I can purchase a MS OEM original and move it between machines as long as
it's only one one machine at a time - meaning I could wipe a machine,
replace it with a new one, and still use the old OEM install as long as
I wiped it from the first one.

Not and be in compliance with the OEM EULA, you can't. Try reading it.

--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH
 
A

Alex Nichol

cates2 said:
I have a PC that got wiped out by a bad SP2 install and unsuccessful
recoveries. I do not have the XP Home OEM CD that came with that computer but
I do have an XP Home OEM CD that came with another. I do have the original
product key for the PC on which I need to reload XP. I've read various posts
but not sure I read anything about this situation.

It depends on whether the other OEM CD is from a similar series, that
recognises either of the keys on being offered. If the same maker, ( or
a 'generic' OEM CD) it probably will - no harm in trying.
2) Also, if I "scrap" an old PC can I reuse my XP OEM CD on my new PC?

No. The big restriction on OEM systems (and hence their cheaper cost)
is that they are licensed solely to the machine where first installed,
and the license dies with it
 

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