Transferring XP to another computer

[Guest]

Is it possible to transfer XP from a computer I no longer use to one
currently running ME?

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Is it possible to transfer XP from a computer I no longer use to one
currently running ME?

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.

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

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[Guest]

The computer came with XP loaded on it and the XP label affixed to the
computer has a series of numbers on it as well as OEM in the series. Does
this mean that it can't be transferred?

 

[Patrick Keenan]

The computer came with XP loaded on it and the XP label affixed to the
computer has a series of numbers on it as well as OEM in the series. Does
this mean that it can't be transferred?

Most likely it does mean that, and if you check the install media (assuming
it came with some), you'll often find that it isn't a full bootable install
CD, but a "restore" CD and will *not* work properly on any different system.

A new retail upgrade version of XP is around CDN$120, and would be
appropriate for the ME > XP upgrade, and will be transferrable to another
newer machine.

You can also buy OEM licenses for less, but these are intended for "clean"
installs on new systems and do NOT permit upgrade installs. This means it
will wipe the drive in the ME system and you will lose all data and programs
you wanted to keep and didn't back up.

That said, even when doing an upgrade install, you should back up the system
first. You should also run the "upgrade Advisor" that's on the CD, and pay
close attention to what it tells you. For example, virus checkers and
firewall type utilities must be uninstalled before upgrading - failure to do
so can cause considerable grief.

HTH
-pk

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

The computer came with XP loaded on it and the XP label affixed to the
computer has a series of numbers on it as well as OEM in the series.
Does this mean that it can't be transferred?

Yes, that's what it means. That lack of transferability is, in my view, the
single biggest disadvantage of OEM versions. They are cheaper than retail
versions, but because you pay less, you get less.