Re-using Windows XP on another computer

[Guest]

I recently upgraded my main computer to Vista. I would like to use the
Windows XP disk from that computer on another, older computer. Is it
possible to do that or will the piracy stuff stop it?

Thanks!

 

[Alias]

I recently upgraded my main computer to Vista. I would like to use the
Windows XP disk from that computer on another, older computer. Is it
possible to do that or will the piracy stuff stop it?

Thanks!

If it's been over 120 days since the last time you activated XP, you
*can* do it, although many would say that's a breach of copyright, the
EULA, the WPA, the WGA and who knows what else. MS would say that
because you used a Vista update, the XP installation is a part of the
Vista license and you *may* not install it on another computer.

I hope this helps you decide what to do.

Alias

 

[Rock]

I recently upgraded my main computer to Vista. I would like to use the
Windows XP disk from that computer on another, older computer. Is it
possible to do that or will the piracy stuff stop it?

Is that copy of XP OEM or retail? If retail it can be moved to a different
computer if uninstalled from the first computer. If OEM, then by the
license agreement it's tied to the first computer on which it's installed,
and can't be moved to a different one. OEM would be an OS that came
preinstalled from the computer vendor or if you bought a generic OEM copy.

 

[Alias]

Is that copy of XP OEM or retail? If retail it can be moved to a
different computer if uninstalled from the first computer. If OEM, then
by the license agreement it's tied to the first computer on which it's
installed, and can't be moved to a different one. OEM would be an OS
that came preinstalled from the computer vendor or if you bought a
generic OEM copy.

If the OP used an Upgrade version of Vista, MS considers the XP to now
be an integral part of the Vista license and may not be moved to another
computer.

Alias

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I recently upgraded my main computer to Vista. I would like to use the
Windows XP disk from that computer on another, older computer. Is it
possible to do that or will the piracy stuff stop it?

Thanks!

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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