I heard there was an issue with Windows XP where if you change too much hardware in the PC, XP voids your license for that machine and won't work any longer. I'm upgrading quite a bit of my computer over the next few days, and I was wondering if this is true or not. Does anyone know?
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You will only be able to access the computer for a maximum of 30 days. After that you have to activate windows. All you have to do is call Microsoft tell them that you installed a new hard drive or whatever and they will give you the new activation code. Type that in and that is it. There is no other way around it without purchasing a volume license key which doesn't require activation.
Ok guys, I found this link on the Windows XP website.
http://www.microsoft.com/p
According to it, if the PC is not dockable (ie desktop) and you don't change the NIC, you can make up to 6 changes from the chart listed in that document. If you do change the NIC, you can make 4 changes INCLUDING the NIC. I won't be changing the NIC.
I'm transferring everything over except the motherboard, RAM, and the processor. I don't see the motherboard listed as a separate object, but I imagine the IDE Adapter will change. So will the Processor and the amount of RAM. But the components I'm switching are all from the same manufacturer, Intel, except the memory.
Am I right in saying there's a good chance I won't reactivate?
Are you changing the hard drive? sounded like your not, in which case you won't have to reinstall XP. It should recognize your new system completely... although maybe booting the first couple times will be a little wierd, as it will still be loading some old drivers instead of those for the new system. This is easily fixed though.
As for the reactivation... it is really no big deal. Is your internet always on (ie cable or internet provided on your lan)? This is how I have my network set up, and I recently rebuilt my computer, and needed to activate the copy of windows. It did so in under 10 seconds after typing in the information.
There is a good chance you won't have to reactivate, but again even if you do it's not a big deal, and shouldn't be a reason for you not to upgrade!
Good luck on the new hardware!
Jonnyz
So I did the upgrade...But in the end what occurred was the new drivers for the motherboard processor and ram pretty much wrecked my installation of Windows. On the plus side, I was able to fix the installation thru the following steps:
1. Boot to the Windows CD Rom.
2. Act like I'm going to install Windows fresh.
3. When asked to choose a partition, Windows will detect the current installation and ask if you want to fix the system. You want to do this.
4. All the drivers will be reset, so just reinstall them.
Away you go and reactivation doesn't occur....
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by: jhancePosted on 2003-05-31 at 08:58:10ID: 8620366
It does NOT void your license but if you change too many things as once, you'll have to call Microsoft and get it re-activated. It's not a big deal but it can be a hassle.
It's not entirely clear how much you can change at once and get away with it, but it you change 2-3 major components (i.e. CPU, RAM, DISK) you'll probably trigger it.
My advice is to get the upgrade done, see what happens, call MS and get it re-activated.