Swapping motherboard... do I need my WinXP cd?

[Dan]

I am going to upgrade my motherboard. My question is, do
I need my Windows XP cd? I have the registration key and
product number but I do not have the cd. The guy I bought
this computer from does not have it.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I am going to upgrade my motherboard. My question is, do
I need my Windows XP cd? I have the registration key and
product number but I do not have the cd. The guy I bought
this computer from does not have it.

More than likely, you will need a Windows XP CD of the same type that it was
originally installed from (Upgrade, OEM or Retail) to perform a repair
installation. It will not be required to activate the copy after the repair
installation, but as you are changing a significant number of components,
the repair installation may become necessary just to get the machine booting
again.

 

[Haus]

Hello
Yes you will need your XP cd provided it is a retail version, you will need
to do a repair install after making a serious hardware change.
If you have an OEM version (factory installed or retail OEM version) they
are not transferable to a different computer or major change in
configuration.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

You will almost certainly need the CD.
Do not even think of upgrading without it.

Is the Product Key on a sticker affixed to the computer?
If so, the manufacturer is likely the only source for replacement CD.

More specific details as to exactly what is installed may give a
better answer:
Windows XP Home or Pro?
Was the Product Key on the computer the same as used to install
Windows XP?
Retail or OEM?
Is the "guy" original owner?
Etc.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Yes, you'll need the CD. If you didn't get a valid license for
WinXP when you purchased the computer, you'll need to buy one.

Normally, and assuming a retail license (many OEM installations
and licenses are not transferable to a new motherboard - check yours
_before_ starting), unless the new motherboard is virtually identical
(same chipset, same IDE controllers, same BIOS version, etc.) to the
one on which the WinXP installation was originally performed, you'll
need to perform a repair (a.k.a. in-place upgrade) installation, at
the very least:

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/directory/article.asp?ID=KB;EN-US;Q315341

As always when undertaking such a significant change, back up any
important data before starting.

This will also require re-activation, unless you have a Volume
Licensed version of WinXP Pro installed. 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.


Bruce Chambers
--
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