reinstall Win XP on a replacement computer

[Dick]

I am replacing my old computer with a new one. Can I reinstall Win XP that I
have on my old one onto my new one, if I nuke the old hard drive? It would
only be on the new computer.

 

[Dave Starcher]

That would meet the licensing requirements. You'll have
to reactivate on the new computer and may have to call MS
to get a valid keycode to enter. This is a routine
situation that they're used to dealing with.
Dave

 

[Peter]

Hi,

Yes, provided it is a retail version of XP and you need
to perform a repair install of XP, re-activated windows
and update all the patches including SP1a.
OEM or upgrade version may not work.

Peter

 

[cimex]

You need to determine if you have an OEM version, which cannot be
reactivated on a new machine (though it can be slod with the old machine.)
To find out if you have an OEM version:
Start
Control Panel
System tab
Look below the "Registered to:" name, and check the long number, which may
or may not have "OEM" imbedded in it.
If you see "OEM," you cannot activate the OS on another macnine.

 

[Alex Nichol]

I am replacing my old computer with a new one. Can I reinstall Win XP that I
have on my old one onto my new one, if I nuke the old hard drive? It would
only be on the new computer.

Provided it is a retail copy, and not an OEM one that came with the old
machine and is licensed solely to that, then yes - certainly. When it
comes to activation, you may find it will go through on the net anyway -
if more than 120 days since you last did it certainly will. If not, you
will have to phone a toll-free number that will be given, to explain and
swap one long number for another to check back as you type it in

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Assuming a retail license (OEM licenses are not transferable),
simply remove WinXP from the computer it is currently on, and install
it onto the new one. If it's been more than 120 days since you last
activated that specific Product Key, 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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