Transferring Windows XP from old computer to new?

[Leslie]

In 2002, I bought a new IBM computer that came with Windows XP installed on
its IDE hard drive. (The computer didn't come with an installation CD, though
I don't know whether that matters for present purposes.) The computer
recently stopped booting-up reliably. I bought a new one with no operating
system installed. I'd like to do as the subject line says, but don't know if
that's possible or, if it is, how to go about it.

I'd be very grateful for any pointers.

Thanks for reading this.

Leslie

 

[Shenan Stanley]

In 2002, I bought a new IBM computer that came with Windows XP
installed on its IDE hard drive. (The computer didn't come with an
installation CD, though I don't know whether that matters for
present purposes.) The computer recently stopped booting-up
reliably. I bought a new one with no operating system installed.
I'd like to do as the subject line says, but don't know if that's
possible or, if it is, how to go about it.

I'd be very grateful for any pointers.

Possible? Maybe.
Legitimate? No.
Against the EULA? Definitely.

The IBM that came pre-installed with Windows XP has what is commonly known
as an OEM licensed copy of the operating system. It is 'stuck to' the first
computer it is installed and activated upon. It cannot be transferred. If
the machine bursts into flames and you happened to have the operating system
installation CD and product key in a fireproof safe miles away from the
incident - you might as well (in accordance with the EULA) take out the
objects from their haven and burn them as well - as they are tied to the
fate of the original computer.

What I am telling you is that you owned one single object (the IBM computer
with Windows XP installed upon it) and not two individual objects (the IBM
computer *and* Windows XP) in accordance with the End-User License Agreement
of an OEM copy of Windows.

If you want an operating system on the new computer - you will have to
purchase or obtain a free one.

 

[Leslie]

Possible? Maybe.
Legitimate? No.
Against the EULA? Definitely.

The IBM that came pre-installed with Windows XP has what is commonly known
as an OEM licensed copy of the operating system. It is 'stuck to' the first
computer it is installed and activated upon. It cannot be transferred. If
the machine bursts into flames and you happened to have the operating system
installation CD and product key in a fireproof safe miles away from the
incident - you might as well (in accordance with the EULA) take out the
objects from their haven and burn them as well - as they are tied to the
fate of the original computer.

What I am telling you is that you owned one single object (the IBM computer
with Windows XP installed upon it) and not two individual objects (the IBM
computer *and* Windows XP) in accordance with the End-User License Agreement
of an OEM copy of Windows.

If you want an operating system on the new computer - you will have to
purchase or obtain a free one.

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way



Thank you for that answer. In light of what you say, I won't try any transferring, even if it's possible.

Thanks again,

Leslie

 

[Anteaus]

If the concern is to keep your old programs, etc. then it may be possibelto
doa transfer. Mileage on this varies. Firstly you need a disk-cloning tool
like Acronis, or Powerquest Drive Image. You cannot do the transfer with
Windows itsaelf.

You may find it boots OK on the new computer, or you may need to do a Repair
Install, for which you will need a Windows CD of the same type.

As for licensing Microsoft say you shouldn't reuse the old OEM key, but
there is nothing to stop you from entering a new one at activation time.

If the old copy is less than SP2, beware that problems may arise on disks
larger than 132GB.