Re-use License Key

[Stavi]

I currently have an old PC from Compaq with Windows XP Pro installed
(no longer used)

I am interested in buying a new PC which comes with vista

Unfortunately I need windows XP for my work

If I purchase the new PC will I be able to install Windows XP using
the CD key from my old machine without breaking any license agreement?

If so will I have any issues with activation? Will I have to call
Microsoft?

 

[SingaporeWebDesign]

Hello,

No, the version of XP for Compaq is only licenced to be used in that
machine. It is also known as the OEM version.

To install the XP in another PC is a violation of the licence.

--
Singapore Website Design
http://www.bootstrike.com/Webdesign/
Singapore Web Hosting
http://www.bootstrike.com/WinXP/faq.html
Windows XP FAQ

 

[Gordon]

I currently have an old PC from Compaq with Windows XP Pro installed
(no longer used)

I am interested in buying a new PC which comes with vista

Unfortunately I need windows XP for my work

If I purchase the new PC will I be able to install Windows XP using
the CD key from my old machine without breaking any license agreement?

If so will I have any issues with activation? Will I have to call
Microsoft?

If the version of XP on your Compaq is a RETAIL copy, then you will have no
problems transferring it to your new machine. If an OEM copy, then you
cannot transfer it from the first machine it was installed on and still be
in compliance with the EULA.

 

[Gordon]

Hello,

No, the version of XP for Compaq is only licenced to be used in that
machine. It is also known as the OEM version.

How do you know? The OP didn't say whether it was OEM or Retail - the Compaq
MAY have come with Windows 98 and had XP installed at a later date.....

To install the XP in another PC is a violation of the licence.

See above - ONLY if the licence was OEM....

 

[Alias]

How do you know? The OP didn't say whether it was OEM or Retail - the Compaq
MAY have come with Windows 98 and had XP installed at a later date.....


See above - ONLY if the licence was OEM....

It won't work if it's a branded OEM. A generic one will work if it's
been over 120 days since the last activation/hardware change. It's in
violation of the EULA but who cares?

Alias

 

[Tim Slattery]

How do you know? The OP didn't say whether it was OEM or Retail - the Compaq
MAY have come with Windows 98 and had XP installed at a later date.....

Even if that's true, the upgrade was probably done to an OEM system,
making that part of the license. The upgrade could be used on a
different machine if was removed form the first machine. Even then,
you'd have a problem trying to downgrade from Vista to XP using an XP
upgrade disk.

But, odds are that OP Compaq has an OEM WinXP installed, which can't
be moved even if the original machine no longer exists.

 

[Patrick Keenan]

I currently have an old PC from Compaq with Windows XP Pro installed
(no longer used)

I am interested in buying a new PC which comes with vista

Unfortunately I need windows XP for my work

If I purchase the new PC will I be able to install Windows XP using
the CD key from my old machine without breaking any license agreement?

If so will I have any issues with activation? Will I have to call
Microsoft?

In addition to the license issues, the Compaq install may include drivers
that will not work with your new system.

If you have to use XP for work, get a laptop that comes with XP. Most
vendors allow this as an option, realizing that not all companies allow
Vista yet. If the system you're looking at doesn't, keep looking.


HTH
-pk

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I currently have an old PC from Compaq with Windows XP Pro installed
(no longer used)

I am interested in buying a new PC which comes with vista

Unfortunately I need windows XP for my work

If I purchase the new PC will I be able to install Windows XP using
the CD key from my old machine without breaking any license agreement?

Only if it was a retail license. If WinXp was pre-installed on the
Compaq, it cannot be transferred to any other computer, ever. (It
probably won't even install, though).

If so will I have any issues with activation? Will I have to call
Microsoft?

Assuming a retail license (OEM licenses are not legitimately
transferable), and assuming that the WinXP license wasn't used to
qualify for a Vista Upgrade license (in which case the WinXP license
became an inseparable part of the Vista license), simply remove WinXP
from the computer it is currently on and then install it on the new
computer. If it's been more than 120 days since you last activated that
specific Product Key, the you'll most likely be able to activate via the
Internet without problem. If it's been less, you 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

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