Problem Re-activating Windows XP professional

[Benjamin Soans]

In the process of upgrading our computers in office, and selling off the
old ones, we ran into a problem of re-activating Windows XP on the new
computers. We used the same hard disks (without formatting them) on the new
computers. Windows says that since the hardware configuration has changed
significantly, Windows needs to be reactivated. When attempting to
reactivate it, it says that this copy of windows is already installed on the
old machine. How do I uninstall windows XP from the old machine, and remove
the registration data on the net? Manually getting a key from Microsoft is a
pain. I once spent 20 minutes over the phone before I finally got a key. I
feel like Im bargaining in the fish market inspite of being fully licensed.
Is there an easier way to do this?

Regards,

Benjamin

 

[D.Currie]

There's no way around it; you're going to have to call. However, if the
original computers were activated more than 4 months ago (or is it 3
months...boy, you guys tossed out those computers pretty fast!), you should
be able to activate on the internet, unless there's another factor involved.
If, for example, the original computer came with OEM versions of XP, that
may complicate matters, as OEM software is supposed to live and die with the
original computer. Whether you've done an upgrade to the old computer or you
have a new computer is up to Microsoft and you to work out.

Also, if your old computers originally came with some other version of
Windows and you have upgrades for all of them, you'd got yet another
problem. If you ever need to reinstall XP, you're going to have to have a
previous version of Windows to show it during the upgrade, and if the
originals were OEM, that might not qualify. So you'll find yourself buying
new copies of Windows.

Have you considered selling the old machines with XP on them, including that
in the price, and simply buying XP for the new computers? If you're doing
enough of them, you could get a reasonable deal on licensing, which would
make it easier all around.

 

[Benjamin Soans]

I just called up Microsoft & they say that OEM software can be installed on
another system as long as it is a new system too, and provided the OS is
uninstalled on the other machine. Can someone else clarify on this?

Benjy

 

[D.Currie]

It's an interesting response. And exactly the opposite of what's in the EULA
and the OEM's agreement with Microsoft, and everything I've heard from
MS...According to all of that, OEM software is supposed to live and die on
the original computer, and cannot be transferred to another machine.

Who did you talk to at Microsoft?

And what brand were the original computers?

 

[D.Currie]

I agree - that is a VERY interesting response. Everything I have EVER read
said that "legally" an OEM copy of Windows was assigned to the first PC it
was installed on.

If, in fact, it can be re-assigned at will to a "new" PC - that will change
the whole reasoning behind buying an OEM/RETAIL copy.

What is defined as "new pc"? I got this one used from a friend, but I have
wiped it using a free DoD wipe utility - is it *new*? There is no OS that
can be associated with it now.. Is that *new*? It's all getting to be too
much symantecs then. I can make almost any system "new" depending on your
definition.

I hope someone who works with Microsoft and some assorted MVPs will get in
on this discussion - cuz if in fact we can come up with something solid
about being able to transfer an OEM license - I am SO in! *grin*

I think there's some differences between what you *can* do, what you're
*supposed to* do, and what you can actually get in some trouble for doing.

OEM software from the big OEMs pretty much *can't* be transferred because of
the protection schemes they have on their CDs. Like it being an image that
won't install on another computer. Or bios locked. Or whatever.

You *can* transfer generic OEM software because it's not locked to anything,
but you aren't supposed to because of the EULA. But if you transfer it from
a dead machine and install it on another one and call MS and lie to them
about it being an upgrade, you likely aren't going to find the MS police on
the front porch of your house.

But if a system builder or a business starts violating the EULA, it's more
likely that MS will step in and slap them around a bit. All it takes is one
disgruntled employee or one cranky customer and suddenly that transferred
software isn't such a bargain any more. Not a risk I'd want to take at my
business.

 

[Benjamin Soans]

I was told by the lady on Microsofts toll free number that the difference
between the OEM & the FPP was that the OEM came without the manual and with
paid support.

Benjy

 

[Benjamin Soans]

Thanks guys. What then is the advantage for a home user buying an OEM for
his computer? By the time he might want to upgrade his OS, he might need a
hardware upgrade too... then what? sell his old hardware with the OEM on it
and buy new hardware & software? Would it be more cheaper for him to go in
for a Full pack & later buy an upgrade? Does this "live & die on one
machine" apply to preinstalled Office XP too?

Benjy

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

The only advantage for the average home user would be economic:
the OEM version is significantly less expensive.

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:

 

[Alex Nichol]

In the process of upgrading our computers in office, and selling off the
old ones, we ran into a problem of re-activating Windows XP on the new
computers. We used the same hard disks (without formatting them) on the new
computers. Windows says that since the hardware configuration has changed
significantly, Windows needs to be reactivated. When attempting to
reactivate it, it says that this copy of windows is already installed onthe
old machine. How do I uninstall windows XP from the old machine, and remove
the registration data on the net?

If you have individual retail copies you have to activate it after
moving it to second machines - if over 120 days has passed you can do it
the second time on the net, otherwise you have to do it by phoning. Or
get a volume license (which start at only five machines these days). It
has been made that way because people were using the same copy of
software for every machine around, flagrantly against the licensing
terms. I even heard of a *Law* office with about 15 machines, and only
a single license between them!