XP on new computer

[Rhino]

I have had XP since 2001 and still prefer it to Vista. I would like to have a
new computer built for me and then transfer my copy of XP from the old
computer to the new one, move all my data over, and then retire the old
computer.

Is that going to be a problem? I don't want to have any hassles with the
licensing.

Also, although I don't plan to give the old computer much use once the new
one has all my data on it, I would still like it to be usable as a backup,
just in case I run into a problem on the new computer. Is it possible for me
to leave XP on the old computer and to have it on the new computer, provided
the vast majority of my use is on the new computer?

I'm afraid I'm not really clear on how the licensing works for XP. I fully
expected to run into problems when I simply added a second hard drive to the
old computer a few years back but I was able to do that without a hitch. I
also expected to have problems when the older hard drive starting giving me
troubles and I had to reformat and reinstall Windows but XP didn't give me
any trouble with that either.

Is having the same copy of XP on two computers, where one gets very very
very little use going to be a problem?

 

[Alias]

I have had XP since 2001 and still prefer it to Vista. I would like to have a
new computer built for me and then transfer my copy of XP from the old
computer to the new one, move all my data over, and then retire the old
computer.

Is that going to be a problem? I don't want to have any hassles with the
licensing.

Also, although I don't plan to give the old computer much use once the new
one has all my data on it, I would still like it to be usable as a backup,
just in case I run into a problem on the new computer. Is it possible for me
to leave XP on the old computer and to have it on the new computer, provided
the vast majority of my use is on the new computer?

I'm afraid I'm not really clear on how the licensing works for XP. I fully
expected to run into problems when I simply added a second hard drive to the
old computer a few years back but I was able to do that without a hitch. I
also expected to have problems when the older hard drive starting giving me
troubles and I had to reformat and reinstall Windows but XP didn't give me
any trouble with that either.

Is having the same copy of XP on two computers, where one gets very very
very little use going to be a problem?

It's against the licensing terms but you can probably get away with it
if the old install is over 120 days old.

Alias

 

[JS]

One copy of XP per computer only.

If you have a "Retail" version of XP (Either Upgrade or Full)
then installing it on you new computer is not a problem.

But you violate the EULA by having the same
licensed copy (CD keycode) on your old PC.

OEM versions of XP are tied to the motherboard on
your old PC and can not be used on a new PC.

 

[Rhino]

Thank you (both) for your fast replies.

My copy of XP is a retail version.

The licensing rules put me in a rather tough spot but thousands of others
must have been in this same position so I would appreciate some advice.

As I understand it, you can't buy a new copy of XP. That's why I was going
to install my existing copy of XP on the new computer. If I have to, I'll
remove XP from the old computer when I am finished transferring my files
over and put Linux on it instead. But how do I transfer my data over from
the old computer to the new computer? I need a copy of XP on _both_
computers while I do that. If I activate XP on the new computer, will the
old computer stop working immediately? Or should I transfer all my data over
to the new computer first, THEN activate XP on the new computer?

What is my best plan here?

 

[John Barnett MVP]

If you have a 'retail' copy of XP then you will have no problem migrating it
to your new PC. If it is an OEM copy you have then it will be tied to the
original machine so can't be moved.

You will not be able to leave your copy of XP on your old machine as you
would be violating the End User Licence Agreement.

One other important point is to make sure that there are XP drivers
available for all the new hardware you will be putting into your new
machine. If no drivers are available for your hardware then you are going to
have some problems.


--

--
John Barnett MVP
Windows XP Associate Expert
Windows Desktop Experience

Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org
Web: http://www.silversurfer-guide.com

The information in this mail/post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any
kind, either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this mail/post. The Author shall not be liable for
any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the
use of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this
mail/post..

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I have had XP since 2001 and still prefer it to Vista. I would like to have a
new computer built for me and then transfer my copy of XP from the old
computer to the new one, move all my data over, and then retire the old
computer.

Is that going to be a problem? I don't want to have any hassles with the
licensing.

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.

Also, although I don't plan to give the old computer much use once the new
one has all my data on it, I would still like it to be usable as a backup,
just in case I run into a problem on the new computer. Is it possible for me
to leave XP on the old computer and to have it on the new computer, provided
the vast majority of my use is on the new computer?

You'll need to purchase a separate WinXP license for each computer
on which you install it. As long as you have multiple identical
licenses, it doesn't matter if you use the same CD for the
installations, as long as you use a different license (Product Key) on
each installation.

Just as it has *always* been with *all* Microsoft operating
systems, it's necessary (to be in compliance with both the EULA and U.S.
copyright law http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/117.html), if not
technically) to purchase one WinXP license for each computer on which it
is installed. (Consult an attorney versed in copyright law to determine
final applicability in your locale.) The only way in which WinXP
licensing differs from that of earlier versions of Windows is that
Microsoft has finally added a copy protection and anti-theft mechanism,
Product Activation, to prevent (or at least make more difficult)
multiple installations using a single license.

One can buy additional licenses, assuming one already has a retail
license. Naturally, Microsoft cannot sell additional OEM licenses. Be
aware, however, that you'll probably pay more this way than you would if
you were to buy a second copy of WinXP from a discount retailer;
Microsoft will only offer you a 15% discount off their MSRP.

Additional Licenses for Windows XP Home Edition
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/addlic.asp

Additional Licenses for Windows XP Professional
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/addlic.asp

I'm afraid I'm not really clear on how the licensing works for XP.

It's clearly explained in the EULA.

Is having the same copy of XP on two computers, where one gets very very
very little use going to be a problem?

Technically? Probably not. Ethically? That depends upon *your* level
of integrity.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Thank you (both) for your fast replies.

My copy of XP is a retail version.

The licensing rules put me in a rather tough spot but thousands of others
must have been in this same position so I would appreciate some advice.

If you have a retail version, moving it to a new computer is in
accordance with the rules, and you're not in a tough spot at all.

As I understand it, you can't buy a new copy of XP.

Not true. There are lots of them still around. As a single example,
you can get them at Amazon.com.

That's why I was going
to install my existing copy of XP on the new computer. If I have to, I'll
remove XP from the old computer when I am finished transferring my files
over and put Linux on it instead. But how do I transfer my data over from
the old computer to the new computer? I need a copy of XP on _both_
computers while I do that. If I activate XP on the new computer, will the
old computer stop working immediately?

No. You'd be in technical violation, but nothing happens
automatically, and it's hard to even imagine Microsoft getting
terribly upset if you kept it on both for a day or two to transfer
files.

But there are many ways to transfer your data files. One of the
easiest and most convenient is to remove the drive from the old
computer and temporarily install it in the new one to copy the data,
or temporarily install it in an external USB case (about $25 US) to do
the same thing.

Or should I transfer all my data over
to the new computer first, THEN activate XP on the new computer?

When you activate is irrelevant and has nothing to do with whether you
are in violation of the EULA.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Thank you (both) for your fast replies.

My copy of XP is a retail version.

The licensing rules put me in a rather tough spot but thousands of others
must have been in this same position so I would appreciate some advice.

As I understand it, you can't buy a new copy of XP.

There are copies available through various on-line sites; you just have
to be careful to obtain a legitimate license. Go with a reputable
vendor, such as Amazon or Egghead, rather than eBay.

That's why I was going
to install my existing copy of XP on the new computer. If I have to, I'll
remove XP from the old computer when I am finished transferring my files
over and put Linux on it instead. But how do I transfer my data over from
the old computer to the new computer?

Burn them to a CD or DVD? Has the added benefit of providing a
permanent backup.

Additionally:

HOW TO Use the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard By Using the Windows
XP CD-ROM
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;306186

HOW TO Use the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard with a Wizard Disk in
Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;306187

I need a copy of XP on _both_
computers while I do that.

Not necessarily, but it does make it easier.

If I activate XP on the new computer, will the
old computer stop working immediately?

No, not at all. In reality, no one would probably ever know that you
have the same license installed on 2 computers simultaneously. That's
why, in the end, honoring the EULA is primarily a matter of personal
integrity.

Or should I transfer all my data over
to the new computer first, THEN activate XP on the new computer?

You do have 30 days before you have to activate the new installation,
which is more than even time to transfer your data files and ensure that
you haven't missed anything.I'd certainly wait a few days before
activating, mostly to ensure that everything is working properly.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Daave]

Thank you (both) for your fast replies.

My copy of XP is a retail version.

The licensing rules put me in a rather tough spot

Since you have a retail version, you are not in a tough spot at all!

but thousands of others must have been in this same position so I
would appreciate some advice.

As I understand it, you can't buy a new copy of XP.

That is incorrect. Look at this page:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...inPrice=&MaxPrice=&OEMMark=0&Manufactory=1149

You may still purchase XP, even Retail. While the current OEM version of
XP ships with SP3, you will note that the current Retail version of XP
ships with SP2, but since SP3 may be downloaded for free, that shouldn't
be too much of an inconvenience.

That's why I was going to install my existing copy of XP on the new
computer. If I have to, I'll remove XP from the old computer when I am
finished transferring my files over and put Linux on it instead.

Since your version of XP is Retail, that is certainly an option. Or if
you don't mind purchasing another license/disk of XP, you may do that as
well.

But how do I transfer my data over from the old computer to the new
computer?

I would recommend using an exernal hard drive. CDs or DVDs would be
another option.

I need a copy of XP on _both_ computers while I do that.

No, you don't.

If I activate XP on the new computer, will the old computer stop
working immediately?

No, not immediately. If the old PC is online and you visit Windows
Update, Microsoft will then realize your license (product key) is being
used on two PCs, and you won't be able to download additional updates.
I'm not sure whether or not the PC won't work at all; someone else with
experience or knowledge can better answer that question. If your old PC
never goes online again (or if you configure your settings to block any
phone-home efforts, then although it goes against the EULA you agreed
to, no one would be the wiser. Let your conscience be your guide.

Or should I transfer all my data over to the new computer first, THEN
activate XP on the new computer?

What is my best plan here?

That all depends on whether or not you want to use Linux. Either way,
you should *always* back up your data, so do that now! (And back up
regularly, too!) What is the make and model (and specs) of this new
computer? Do you know for a fact that running XP on it is possible?
Sometimes XP-specific drivers for newer hardware don't exist! If it can
run XP, and if you want to keep XP on your older PC, simply purchase
another license/CD of XP! If you want to save yourself money, go for the
OEM version (since you already have a Retail version). Here is a link
for XP Home w/ SP3 (OEM):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116511

 

[JS]

You're welcome.

Just be sure that if you or someone else builds
that new PC, there are XP drivers available for
the motherboard before you purchase it.

And XP drivers for all other components as well.

 

[Lil' Dave]

Generic OEM versions *can* be used on a new PC but it's against the EULA
to do so.

Alias

I agree. MS cannot determine if a new motherboard is installed in an old
PC, or, if a new motherboard and all its former components are in a new
case/chassis. Further, they stil refuse to define the term "PC" or
"computer" at the hardware level in the EULA. Which in turn, defines their
limitations of determination....

 

[Lil' Dave]

Thank you (both) for your fast replies.

My copy of XP is a retail version.

The licensing rules put me in a rather tough spot but thousands of others
must have been in this same position so I would appreciate some advice.

As I understand it, you can't buy a new copy of XP. That's why I was going
to install my existing copy of XP on the new computer. If I have to, I'll
remove XP from the old computer when I am finished transferring my files
over and put Linux on it instead. But how do I transfer my data over from
the old computer to the new computer? I need a copy of XP on _both_
computers while I do that. If I activate XP on the new computer, will the
old computer stop working immediately? Or should I transfer all my data
over to the new computer first, THEN activate XP on the new computer?

What is my best plan here?

Most likely, next time you access the internet on the older PC if XP is
installed with the same product code, it will be disabled as viewed as an
illegal copy. There should not be problem with the new PC and the niew XP
installation regarding activation and installation.

The 2001 version of XP is the original version of XP. No service packs.
The obvious limitation is size of NTFS partitions at 132 GB formatted. This
version of XP uses the bios strictly for geometrically determining the hard
drive capacity. That in itself is another factor. Bear in mind, these are
2 different entities, not one as others may contribute. The numbers just
happen to coincide.