DKTimmy said:
I have a laptop that I purchased to replace a desktop that is no longer use.
When I had the desktop I had purchased a XP Pro upgrade to upgrade from 98.
I would like to know if I am able to reuse the XP pro license. Do I need to
unauthorize the desktop, which I'm not sure if the system will even run, or
can I just go ahead with the upgrade and reactivate the key for the laptop?
Yes, as long as the WinXP Pro Upgrade license is no longer in use on
the old desktop, you can use it to upgrade the laptop from WinXP Home to
WinXP Pro.
There is no "de-activation" or "de-registration" 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
WinXP is designed to install and upgrade the existing operating
system while simultaneously preserving your applications and data, and
translating as many personalized settings as possible. The process is
designed to be, and normally is, quite painless. That said, things can
go wrong, in a small number of cases. If your data is at all important
to you, back it up before proceeding.
The upgrade from WinXP Home to WinXP Pro, in particular, almost
always goes smoothly, as both operating systems use the same kernel.
--
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