Transfering XP to another computer

[Guest]

I have 2 computers that I have installed retail (non-OEM) versions on XP on
about 2 years ago when I got them without an OS. I am now wanting to install
one XP CD to another upgraded computer but don't know which CD was loaded on
which computer. One is a XP with SP2 on the CD in the box and the other I
got an SP2 CD, if that helps.

(1) Is there any way to identify which one is on which computer? I have
the retail boxes that have the Product Key and some serial numbers.

(2) Also, is the any reason I can't install XP on the new computer before I
uninstall on the old one? I want to make sure it works so if problems we're
not without it and then will uninstall from the old computer.

Thanks for any help

 

[Rock]

I have 2 computers that I have installed retail (non-OEM) versions on XP on
about 2 years ago when I got them without an OS. I am now wanting to
install
one XP CD to another upgraded computer but don't know which CD was loaded
on
which computer. One is a XP with SP2 on the CD in the box and the other I
got an SP2 CD, if that helps.

(1) Is there any way to identify which one is on which computer? I have
the retail boxes that have the Product Key and some serial numbers.

(2) Also, is the any reason I can't install XP on the new computer before
I
uninstall on the old one? I want to make sure it works so if problems
we're
not without it and then will uninstall from the old computer.

Thanks for any help

If they are the same version of XP (Home v. Pro), it doesn't matter what the
SP level is and what disk you use. Product keys for the same version of XP
will work with any CD for that version. It's the product key that matters.
Now if you don't know which product key was used on which computer, then use
one of these free utilities to tell you the product key.

AIDA32 http://www.aumha.org/freeware.htm

Belarc Advisor http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Magical Jellybean http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

Sure, install on the second computer, but don't activate right away. When
it's set up right, then remove it from the first machine and activate on the
second.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I have 2 computers that I have installed retail (non-OEM) versions on
XP on about 2 years ago when I got them without an OS. I am now
wanting to install one XP CD to another upgraded computer but don't
know which CD was loaded on which computer. One is a XP with SP2 on
the CD in the box and the other I got an SP2 CD, if that helps.

(1) Is there any way to identify which one is on which computer? I
have the retail boxes that have the Product Key and some serial
numbers.

It doesn't matter. If they are both Full Retail or Full Upgrade and both
Home or Professional, they are identical. The only thing that's different
(other than SP2) are the keys. Use the CD with SP2 because it's easier

(2) Also, is the any reason I can't install XP on the new computer
before I uninstall on the old one? I want to make sure it works so
if problems we're not without it and then will uninstall from the old
computer.

Technically, no you can't do this. You're not allowed to have a single
license installed on both computers. But since you will presumably be in
violation for only a very brief time, it's hard to imagine anybody caring
(let alone knowing).

 

[Nepatsfan]

In

I have 2 computers that I have installed retail (non-OEM)
versions on
XP on about 2 years ago when I got them without an OS. I am
now
wanting to install one XP CD to another upgraded computer but
don't
know which CD was loaded on which computer. One is a XP with
SP2 on
the CD in the box and the other I got an SP2 CD, if that
helps.

(1) Is there any way to identify which one is on which
computer? I
have the retail boxes that have the Product Key and some
serial
numbers.

(2) Also, is the any reason I can't install XP on the new
computer
before I uninstall on the old one? I want to make sure it
works so
if problems we're not without it and then will uninstall from
the old
computer.

Thanks for any help

1. This program will show you which CD key was used to do the
installation on your old computer.

Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder v1.51
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

2. Don't activate XP until you're satisfied with the new XP
installation. Only then will you need to uninstall XP from the
older computer.

Good luck

Nepatsfan

 

[Guest]

Perfect. I'm on my way now. Thanks.

In

1. This program will show you which CD key was used to do the
installation on your old computer.

Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder v1.51
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

2. Don't activate XP until you're satisfied with the new XP
installation. Only then will you need to uninstall XP from the
older computer.

Good luck

Nepatsfan

 

[Nepatsfan]

You're welcome.

Nepatsfan

In

Perfect. I'm on my way now. Thanks.