I plan on building a barebones computer within the next few months. I currently have a laptop with XP from 2003, which is beginning to show it's age.

I want to use my copy of windows on the new machine, but i know there will be problems when i go to register the os using the same product key. The laptop won't be used once the new machine is built. Would there be a way for me to do this??

Please no one recommend installing vista or linux

9/16/2009 1:47:07 PM

just install it. it'll activate fine.


you only run into activation problems if you've activated the same key like 10 times in a month or something.

[Edited on September 16, 2009 at 1:48 PM. Reason : .]

9/16/2009 1:48:21 PM

if the copy of xp on the laptop if an OEM version, its technically against the EULA. If you have activation issues call microsoft and reactivate. They'll just ask like blah blah is this copy installed on more than one computer blah blah. Dont mention its oem or that you're moving from one computer to another. Just say something like the motherboard died so i got a new one or whatever.

Altho for serious windows 7 comes out in rocktober so install the rc now and get a retail copy when its released.

9/16/2009 1:59:39 PM

it is OEM....

here's a good next question, i'm not sure if i have the original XP installation cd's..........i'm guessing that would make this process a little more difficult?

^the RC isn't available for download any longer i didnt think just kidding...

[Edited on September 16, 2009 at 2:06 PM. Reason : ]

[Edited on September 16, 2009 at 2:12 PM. Reason : ]

9/16/2009 2:05:01 PM

yeah seriously. strongly consider windows7. it's pretty awesome.


^ i mean, you can get an install image online pretty easily. you have a legit reg key. that's what matters

[Edited on September 16, 2009 at 2:06 PM. Reason : .]

9/16/2009 2:05:30 PM

Quote :

"here's a good next question, i'm not sure if i have the original XP installation cd's..........i'm guessing that would make this process a little more difficult?"

yea. If you dont have an oem cd you'd have to either find one or make one yourself form an existing cd. The effort from which is probably better spent getting your hands on w7 rc image. If you need xp for a specific application, w7 pro and higher (including w7 rc which is ultimate) are entitled to an xp virtual machine.

9/16/2009 2:16:19 PM

speaking of all this...

does anyone have a link to a good xp 9 in 1 cd image?

9/16/2009 5:56:21 PM

i think you should install vista or linux

[Edited on September 16, 2009 at 6:10 PM. Reason : but for real, just get windows 7.]

[Edited on September 16, 2009 at 6:10 PM. Reason : get a technet subscription, it's cheaper than win7 ultimate AND you get every msft product ever]

9/16/2009 6:09:17 PM

how long are the licenses good for though (take windows 7 for example...)

9/17/2009 1:20:29 PM

^There is no defined time limit.

9/17/2009 1:27:19 PM

you're supposed to stop using the software when you let your subscription lapse...

...but it's not like microsoft ever checks or anything.

9/17/2009 8:04:54 PM

Quote :

"how long are the licenses good for though"

Have to read specifics of your TechNet/MSDN license agreement. I think evan is correct they technically end whenever your subscription expires. I wouldn't be caught dead with a license like that on a system (QA, Prod, etc.) where it could have any real impact. Dev and sandbox systems, as has been said, nobody is really checking.

Quote :

"if the copy of xp on the laptop if an OEM version, its technically against the EULA ... If you have activation issues call microsoft and reactivate."

That pretty much covers it. Call in, try the automated system, expect it to fail, get transferred overeseas to a rep, give them the "oh no, it is not installed anywhere else, blah blah", they'll give you the manual activation code. About 20-30 minutes in total.

Quote :

"i'm guessing that would make this process a little more difficult? ... does anyone have a link to a good xp 9 in 1 cd image?"

BitTorrent? Assuming you have valid / legit keys of course. You can use Magical Jellybean to pull your existing key from your existing laptop system.

[Edited on September 17, 2009 at 9:23 PM. Reason : .]

9/17/2009 9:20:28 PM

yeah i always have keys, 99% of the time i use them is oem reinstalls. it's just the last 9-1 i was using isn't working very well for some reason

9/17/2009 9:32:16 PM

http://windows7.digitalriver.com/store/mswpus/en_US/DisplayHomePage?resid=uoyI3goBAkYAACTdKooAAAAp&rests=1253248816706

29.99 upgrade with college edu address.

[Edited on September 18, 2009 at 12:40 AM. Reason : Home Premium]

9/18/2009 12:40:21 AM

^that's awesome, i may just use that

9/18/2009 1:15:55 PM