Transfer Windows XP Pro to another computer

[rjn02]

We have an old laptop that is currently running XP Pro (VERY slowly), that we
we intend to take out of service. We intend to use the OS in another much
newer laptop that can easily handle the operating system. We would like to
avoid activation problems of course, and need to know how do we transfer XP
licence from the old laptop to the new laptop. Appreciate any advise that
will make this go smoothly. Thanks RJN

 

[philo]

We have an old laptop that is currently running XP Pro (VERY slowly), that we
we intend to take out of service. We intend to use the OS in another much
newer laptop that can easily handle the operating system. We would like to
avoid activation problems of course, and need to know how do we transfer XP
licence from the old laptop to the new laptop. Appreciate any advise that
will make this go smoothly. Thanks RJN

First off, your XP cannot be a OEM version tied to the laptop...

Next:

Legally you'd need to remove it from the laptop first...

IE: backup your data then delete or format the drive


Now you can install it on your new machine and activate it on-line.

If there are any problems with activation,
it's usually just a simple matter to activate over the phone

 

[rjn02]

That simple! It is not an OEM version so we shold be goog to go. Thanks.

 

[philo]

That simple! It is not an OEM version so we shold be goog to go. Thanks.

OK

It should work fine

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

That simple! It is not an OEM version so we shold be goog to go. Thanks.

Good, as long as you understand that there are two types of OEM
versions:

1. The one's that come pre-installed when you buy an OEM computer

2. The one's you can buy and install yourself from many stores and web
sites.

As long as you are sure that it's neither of those types, yes, you can
move it to another computer.

 

[Alias ;-)]

Good, as long as you understand that there are two types of OEM
versions:

1. The one's that come pre-installed when you buy an OEM computer

2. The one's you can buy and install yourself from many stores and web
sites.

As long as you are sure that it's neither of those types, yes, you can
move it to another computer.

The second kind *can* be moved. Microsoft doesn't want you to move it
and wants you to buy another license and it goes against the EULA but if
it's been over 120 days since the last activation, you can move it and
it will activate on line and pass the "genuine" test. If you want to be
within the EULA's, use one of the screws from the former computer and
call it a hardware upgrade with *is* allowed in the EULA.

Makes one wonder why Ken Blake misleads people this way. Do you get a
commission from MS for lying in newsgroups with the sole purpose of
fooling people into buying something they have already bought again?

Alias

 

[Bruce Chambers]

We have an old laptop that is currently running XP Pro (VERY slowly), that we
we intend to take out of service. We intend to use the OS in another much
newer laptop that can easily handle the operating system. We would like to
avoid activation problems of course, and need to know how do we transfer XP
licence from the old laptop to the new laptop. Appreciate any advise that
will make this go smoothly. Thanks RJN

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.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[rjn02]

Thank you all for your input. Mine is a retail / upgrade version of XP Pro,
purchased 4 + years ago to upgrade the older laptop from ME. The older laptop
has never had enough horsepower to run XP properly, and it is not worth the
investment to upgrade. The newer laptop is very much able to run XP (it is
running XP Pro now). It was purchased for my son through a school laptop
program, the school effectively retains ownership until end of his senior
year (June 09), and as they bulk image the drives with OS and various
educational applications, they do not have an OS disk to provide when
ownership transfers. From the comments everyone has offerred to this posting
however, it seems clear that I should have no problem moving the XP OS to the
newer laptop when my son finishes school. Thank you again for the insights.
RJN