used windows XP purchased from a friend

[Steve]

I purchased a copy of windows XP home edition from a
friend. He bought a new copy of windows XP professional
and didn't need it no more. I want to reformat my hard
drive and install it on my computer but i am afraid thet
it wont work due to the copy right issues with windows XP.
Will I have a problem with it.

 

[Guest]

Why would be afraid ?? Just install it and use the key
that he gave you and get on with it..

 

[Jo Brown]

NO, do not use that key! It's already been activated with
MS and you will have to activate it again and then they
will file charges against you. Period.

 

[Steve C. Ray]

If the XP is OEM it can't be transferred to another computer. If your friend
bought a upgrade version of Pro, and he is upgrading his installed Home
version, then the Home version becomes a part of the Pro license and can't
be used on another computer. If he is not using the Home copy as the
upgrade qualifier and it is a retail version there will be no problem if it
is not installed on any other computer and you get the Product Key with the
XP. If it has been more than 120 days since XP was installed on the other
computer activation will be normal, on the internet. If less, you will have
to make a phone activation, using the toll free number displayed on the
screen.

 

[t.cruise]

If his friend removed Windows XP from his system, and then sold the CD to
him, then there isn't any violation. Just as long as it's only on ONE
system. If the friend had activated Windows XP more than 120 days ago, then
the MS product Activation database has been flushed, and Steve should be
able to use the online product activation.

 

[Guest]

Thank you for the reply.

-----Original Message-----
If the XP is OEM it can't be transferred to another computer. If your friend
bought a upgrade version of Pro, and he is upgrading his installed Home
version, then the Home version becomes a part of the Pro license and can't
be used on another computer. If he is not using the Home copy as the
upgrade qualifier and it is a retail version there will be no problem if it
is not installed on any other computer and you get the Product Key with the
XP. If it has been more than 120 days since XP was installed on the other
computer activation will be normal, on the internet. If less, you will have
to make a phone activation, using the toll free number displayed on the
screen.

--
Steve C. Ray




.