Reusing Windows XP

[rfdjr1]

I have Windows XP Pro, which I purchased as my operating system when I built my
current computer almost three years ago. I'm considering buying a new hard drive
and starting from scratch. Can I use my copy of Windows XP again? My
understanding is that in an effort to prevent piracy, it gets registered, and if
it shows up on a second machine, it will quit operating after a period of time.
The only real difference in my system will be a new hard drive for now. So can
this be done or do I have to buy a new copy to install. And in case the question
comes up, I'm not interested in Vista. Thanks.

 

[JS]

No problem as long as you are installing on the same PC you built three
years ago.

JS

 

[Blades]

Yes, you can.

 

[Patrick Keenan]

I have Windows XP Pro, which I purchased as my operating system when I
built my
current computer almost three years ago. I'm considering buying a new hard
drive
and starting from scratch. Can I use my copy of Windows XP again? My
understanding is that in an effort to prevent piracy, it gets registered,
and if
it shows up on a second machine, it will quit operating after a period of
time.
The only real difference in my system will be a new hard drive for now. So
can
this be done or do I have to buy a new copy to install. And in case the
question
comes up, I'm not interested in Vista. Thanks.

If you're just swapping drives, no problem - the standard license is for
one machine with a maximum number of CPUs.

But if you're talking about installing on a second machine that exists at
the same time as the first, no, that isn't supported.

HTH
-pk

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I have Windows XP Pro, which I purchased as my operating system when I built my
current computer almost three years ago. I'm considering buying a new hard drive
and starting from scratch. Can I use my copy of Windows XP again? My
understanding is that in an effort to prevent piracy, it gets registered, and if
it shows up on a second machine, it will quit operating after a period of time.
The only real difference in my system will be a new hard drive for now. So can
this be done or do I have to buy a new copy to install. And in case the question
comes up, I'm not interested in Vista. Thanks.

Assuming a retail license (OEM licenses are not legitimately
transferable), 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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