Unactivate...

[Michael]

I have a new computer that I would like to use my copy of Windows XP on, but
I have already activated my copy of Windows on another computer. Is there a
way that I can unactivate Windows so I can use it on my new computer?

 

[Vagabond Software]

I have a new computer that I would like to use my copy of Windows XP on,
but I have already activated my copy of Windows on another computer. Is
there a way that I can unactivate Windows so I can use it on my new
computer?

Just install your copy of Windows XP on the new computer and activate it
online. There should be no problem. I have now activated my primary
Windows XP license three times, all over the Internet without a problem.

carl

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

No. If that copy is still installed on your other computer,
you cannot activate it on a second computer.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/

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

:

| I have a new computer that I would like to use my copy of Windows XP on, but
| I have already activated my copy of Windows on another computer. Is there a
| way that I can unactivate Windows so I can use it on my new computer?

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Michael;
Retail or OEM?

Retail:
Simply remove Windows XP from the first computer and install on the new
computer.
Attempt internet activation.
If that fails, choose the option to activate by phone.
Call Microsoft at the displayed number, done in about 5 minutes.

OEM:
OEM is normally tied to the original computer and can not be moved to
another computer.

Read the EULA for details.

 

[Talahasee]

I have a new computer that I would like to use my copy of Windows XP on, but
I have already activated my copy of Windows on another computer. Is there a
way that I can unactivate Windows so I can use it on my new computer?

Last I was aware,

as long as it remains in your possession/your family's
possession, you can swap computers as much as you like.
I've installed my copy on my two computers (networked), and
on my son's.

No problems. His activated just fine.

I wouldn't be loading it on your next door neighbor's, the
guy's across the street, your boss's, your best friend's, or
your mistress's. ;-)


"Be reasonable."


Tallahassee

 

[logan]

yes, and your welcome...


I choose Polesoft Lockspam to fight spam, and you?
http://www.polesoft.com/refer.html

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I have a new computer that I would like to use my copy of Windows XP on, but
I have already activated my copy of Windows on another computer. Is there a
way that I can unactivate Windows so I can use it on my new computer?

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

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

Help us help you:



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

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Last I was aware,

as long as it remains in your possession/your family's
possession, you can swap computers as much as you like.
I've installed my copy on my two computers (networked), and
on my son's.

If you mean you have a single copy simultaneously installed on all three
computers, you are very much in violation of the EULA, which limits you to a
single installation at any time.

If you mean that you have successively *moved* your copy from one computer
to another, that's fine if yours is a retail version. If it's an OEM
version, on the other hand, you are *still* in violation of the EULA,
because OEM copies are permanently bound to the first computer they are
installed on.

And it has nothing to do with staying in your or your family's possession.
The rules don't permit multiple installations, even if in the same family,
but do permit moving a retail copy to *any* other computer, in the same
family or not.

 

[Alias]

Talahasee wrote:





If you mean you have a single copy simultaneously installed on all three
computers, you are very much in violation of the EULA, which limits you to a
single installation at any time.

If you mean that you have successively *moved* your copy from one computer
to another, that's fine if yours is a retail version. If it's an OEM
version, on the other hand, you are *still* in violation of the EULA,
because OEM copies are permanently bound to the first computer they are
installed on.

And it has nothing to do with staying in your or your family's possession.
The rules don't permit multiple installations, even if in the same family,
but do permit moving a retail copy to *any* other computer, in the same
family or not.

If they really want people to upgrade to Vista and stop piracy, one copy
should be able to be used on three computers per family or small
business. My take, though, is that activation with Vista will probably
be more draconian and distasteful than XP and may push people to finally
take the learning curve for another OS.

Alias

Use the Reply to Sender feature of your news reader program to email me.
Utiliza Responder al Remitente para mandarme un mail.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

If they really want people to upgrade to Vista and stop piracy, one
copy should be able to be used on three computers per family or small
business.

I'm with you on the "per family" issue (but not the "small business" one).
I thinkMicrosoft could engender a lot of good will by doing this and they
wouldn't lose a whole lot of reevenue. The good will they gained might well
be more valuable than the revenue they would lose.

But I don't think it has anything to do with upgrading to Vista, I'd like to
see them do this even if there were no Vista on the horizon. I think it
would be a win-win situation for everyone.

My take, though, is that activation with Vista will probably
be more draconian and distasteful than XP and may push people to
finally take the learning curve for another OS.

I don't agree there, but we'll have to wait to find out.

 

[Vagabond Software]

If they really want people to upgrade to Vista and stop piracy, one copy
should be able to be used on three computers per family or small business.
My take, though, is that activation with Vista will probably be more
draconian and distasteful than XP and may push people to finally take the
learning curve for another OS.

Alias

It's hard to justify the unlimited installs per family. Microsoft already
allows as many family members to use the same installation as necessary.
Now, either that family can afford an additional computer, including the
software, or it can't. My TiVo service isn't "per family" just because my
brother buys the hardware. He also has to buy the service. So, he can
either afford the entire TiVo hardware and service or he can't.

carl

 

[Alias]

It's hard to justify the unlimited installs per family. Microsoft already
allows as many family members to use the same installation as necessary.

Not practical.

Now, either that family can afford an additional computer, including the
software, or it can't.
Irrevelant.

My TiVo service isn't "per family" just because my
brother buys the hardware. He also has to buy the service. So, he can
either afford the entire TiVo hardware and service or he can't.

carl

An OS isn't a "service" -- yet.

Alias

Use the Reply to Sender feature of your news reader program to email me.
Utiliza Responder al Remitente para mandarme un mail.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Why is it "Not practical"?
It is pretty much unlimited as to the number of users able to use a
computer.
Seems very practical where my entire family easily uses the computer.

As for "Irrevelant", why?
Seems very relevant since inexpensive computers are readily available with
an OS of choice.
Of course to say "Irrevelant" with no explanation as to why may make you
feel your position is stronger...it does not.

It would be nice if Microsoft loosened the licensing requirements to allow
multiple installations.
But as soon as Microsoft chose the 3 computer limit you suggest, someone
would complain that was insufficient and they should be able to install it
on all 10 of their computers.

Upgrading to Vista is irrelevant since an upgrade should not happen unless
the owner sees some benefit from the upgrade.
A new OS is not a benefit in itself.

As for Piracy, thieves will always steal because that is what thieves do.
If Vista was $1 with unlimited installations for the family, the thieves
would still follow their nature.

I have not heard about changes in activation as you suggest.
Do you have a source? Or is that just your idea?

 

[Vagabond Software]

Not practical.


An OS isn't a "service" -- yet.

Alias

It's often not "practical" that a family share the same car either, yet they
are able to make it work when they can't afford a new one. Sometimes, the
family can afford the actual physical vehicle, but they can't afford the
added insurance, taxes, registration fees, and gasoline expenses of a second
vehicle.

Thus, my point is not irrelevant because if a family cannot afford ALL of a
second computer, they should work out a way to make do with what they have.

Don't get me wrong, I think all computers, hardware and software, should be
absolutely free and the governments of the world should mandate that the top
floors of all buildings be reserved as expense-free luxury living spaces for
software and hardware engineers where all their wants and needs will be
provided for at no expense (to them).

In the meantime, software will have to be licensed and end-users will have
the opportunity to accept or decline use of that software under the
conditions of the license agreement. It's really not that hard and not that
expensive.

carl