Re-using XP disc for Vista upgrade

[Brian W]

OK, I understand that you have to install XP and activate it to use a Vista
upgrade. Is it safe to assume that the XP key can be used again if Vista
needs to be re-installed onto another PC? I'm talking about a retail XP
licence, not OEM.

In other words, MS aren't going to block the XP keys, rendering upgrade
Vista discs useless after one install??

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

Yes. If there should be a glitch activating XP again for the new machine,
the activation phone center would surely sort it out for you.

 

[Mike C.]

What I think you're meaning is this. And I think there's a slight licensing
issue with doing it this way, but I'm not sure.

The upgrade version of Vista relies on the licensing of a previous version
of Windows. Now, you can install that XP on another machine, but technically
at that point the other computer becomes the "licensed" device. Which means
that your original computer that you upgraded now has no more XP license,
which then trickles down and says you don't have upgrade rights for Vista.

As far as I know, there are no technological measures to prevent you from
doing this--but it is probably against the EULA.

 

[Brian W]

OK ,thanks!

Yes. If there should be a glitch activating XP again for the new machine,
the activation phone center would surely sort it out for you.