Re-activating Windows XP Pro?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ian Brown
  • Start date Start date
I

Ian Brown

I am just about to completely rebuild this computer I'm using installing
brand new motherboard, processor, RAM, case, power supply and possible a
brand new SATA hard drive.

My concern is that when done I will not be able to use my existing copy of
Microsoft Windows XP Professional as the finished computer will have almost
all new components.

Once I have updated this computer I will be using the old components to
rebuild a much older PIII system for my kids. Again, this computer uses a
copy of Microsoft Windows XP Professional and I am concerned that I will not
be able to use the existing version once the components have been updated.

Can you confirm that I will be able to use my exisiting copies of Microsoft
Windows XP Professional once I have updated the hardware on both computer?

Thank you

Ian.
 
Yes, my copies are "legit", however, I have been reading articles on the
internet about how to integrate SP2 into a new Win XP CD. I think it's
called slipstreaming? This may make my life easier when re-installing the
OS. Is this legal though?

I don't mind calling Microsoft as long as it's easy to do and doesn't take
long. I would hate to have to pay a huge phone bill just to reactivate
Windows.

Thanks for the link

Ian.
 
Ian said:
I am just about to completely rebuild this computer I'm using installing
brand new motherboard, processor, RAM, case, power supply and possible a
brand new SATA hard drive.

My concern is that when done I will not be able to use my existing copy of
Microsoft Windows XP Professional as the finished computer will have almost
all new components.

Once I have updated this computer I will be using the old components to
rebuild a much older PIII system for my kids. Again, this computer uses a
copy of Microsoft Windows XP Professional and I am concerned that I will not
be able to use the existing version once the components have been updated.

Can you confirm that I will be able to use my exisiting copies of Microsoft
Windows XP Professional once I have updated the hardware on both computer?

Thank you

Ian.
Click to expand...


Assuming a retail license (OEM licenses are not transferable),
simply remove WinXP from the computer it is currently on and sell,
donate, or give it away. If it's been more than 120 days since you last
activated that specific Product Key, the new owner will most likely be
able to activate via the Internet without problem. If it's been less,
he/she might have to make a 5 minute phone call.

Here are the facts pertaining to activation:

Piracy Basics - Microsoft Product Activation
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/basics/activation/

Windows Product Activation (WPA)
http://www.aumha.org/a/wpa.htm

--

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
 
Ian said:
Yes, my copies are "legit", however, I have been reading articles on the
internet about how to integrate SP2 into a new Win XP CD. I think it's
called slipstreaming? This may make my life easier when re-installing the
OS. Is this legal though?
Click to expand...


Yes, slip-streaming a service pack into an OS installation CD is "legit."

How to integrate software updates into your Windows installation source
files
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;828930

--

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
 
Ian Brown said:
[.....] I have been reading articles on the internet about
how to integrate SP2 into a new Win XP CD. I think it's
called slipstreaming? This may make my life easier
when re-installing the OS. Is this legal though?
Click to expand...


Yup. Having the SP2 CD makes it easier, too. I got
mine a couple weeks after requesting it from Microsoft's
website. And it's free!

I don't mind calling Microsoft as long as it's easy to do
and doesn't take long. I would hate to have to pay a
huge phone bill just to reactivate Windows.
Click to expand...


It's quite perfunctory as upgrading major components
is probably the most frequent reason for a human-to-
human activation call. I've never done it, but reports in
the NGs say it's quick and painless.

*TimDaniels*
 
Back
Top