Transferring a Windows XP license to a different computer

[Robert Debelak]

I have a PC that I upgraded from Windows 98 to Windows XP using a retail
WinXP upgrade CD. I want to reformat the hard drive, re-install
Win98, and sell the computer, then use the WinXP CD to upgrade another
PC that's running Windows NT.

What is the procedure to de-activate the WinXP license on the old
computer, so that I can complete the Product Activation when I upgrade
the Win NT computer?

Rob

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I have a PC that I upgraded from Windows 98 to Windows XP using a retail
WinXP upgrade CD. I want to reformat the hard drive, re-install Win98,
and sell the computer, then use the WinXP CD to upgrade another PC
that's running Windows NT.

What is the procedure to de-activate the WinXP license on the old
computer, so that I can complete the Product Activation when I upgrade
the Win NT computer?

Rob

There is no "de-activation" process, as such.

Assuming a retail license (OEM licenses are not 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

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

How do I "deactivate", move to another computer, or sell
a previously activated XP?
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/xpfaq.html#06

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Michael Stevens]

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

| I have a PC that I upgraded from Windows 98 to Windows XP using a retail
| WinXP upgrade CD. I want to reformat the hard drive, re-install
| Win98, and sell the computer, then use the WinXP CD to upgrade another
| PC that's running Windows NT.
|
| What is the procedure to de-activate the WinXP license on the old
| computer, so that I can complete the Product Activation when I upgrade
| the Win NT computer?
|
| Rob