Lifestream
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Windows XP pro license transfer from broken machine to a new machine?
I am not familiar with microsoft's license regulation. I have a borken down laptop with xp pro and i need to transfer the license to a new machine. Is it possible to use the license key of the broken laptop to a new machine? Will I need to call microsoft to do the transfer? Technically I purchase both the machine and the OS correct?
ASKER
I found different versions of XP pro that is available for purchase online: XP Pro for system builders, XP Pro full version (alot more expensiv), and upgrade (i know it wont work).
I don't want to overspend but which do i really need to use on a new pc? what are the differences?
I also would like to install xp pro on a Mac through Mac's Boot Camp; what kind of XP pro would i need?
I don't want to overspend but which do i really need to use on a new pc? what are the differences?
I also would like to install xp pro on a Mac through Mac's Boot Camp; what kind of XP pro would i need?
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You should have no problem transferring the license. You can move the hard drive from the broken computer to the new one or use a Windows XP OEM install disk to set it up using the key from the broken computer.
You probably won't even have to call Microsoft but if you do it's not a problem. All they care about is that it is only installed on one computer.
You probably won't even have to call Microsoft but if you do it's not a problem. All they care about is that it is only installed on one computer.
>>" All they care about is that it is only installed on one computer."
Not true, it is a definate licensing violation.
Not true, it is a definate licensing violation.
>>"Not true, it is a definate licensing violation."
Well somebody should inform their call center because I have done it many times.
Well somebody should inform their call center because I have done it many times.
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>>"Well somebody should inform their call center because I have done it many times."
Not suggesting you might not get away with it but it is absolutely a violation of the OEM agreement and you can be held responsible.
Not suggesting you might not get away with it but it is absolutely a violation of the OEM agreement and you can be held responsible.
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Just to add to the licensing debate there... if you move the hard drive from the old to the new then it might be considered an upgrade and not in violation of of the license.
but edbedb, they care very much about reusing their licenses. They want you to buy a new license whenever possible.
but edbedb, they care very much about reusing their licenses. They want you to buy a new license whenever possible.
Afraid not. As per the article, changing motherboards is a violation.
Held responsible for what?
The times that I had to talk to a representative it always goes the same way.
I explain that I am a computer tech and I had to move the OS to a new computer.
They ask me if this is the only computer it is being used on.
I answer yes. And it is.
Then they give me the code to activate it.
The times that I had to talk to a representative it always goes the same way.
I explain that I am a computer tech and I had to move the OS to a new computer.
They ask me if this is the only computer it is being used on.
I answer yes. And it is.
Then they give me the code to activate it.
Moving an OEM to another computer is possible but it still doesn't make the install legal
Here's Microsoft's advice page
Check "Transfer of license" particularly the second part:
http://oem.microsoft.com/script/ContentPage.aspx?pageid=552846
@Lifestream have you established if this was an OEM installation?
Here's Microsoft's advice page
Check "Transfer of license" particularly the second part:
http://oem.microsoft.com/script/ContentPage.aspx?pageid=552846
@Lifestream have you established if this was an OEM installation?
The way I look at it is, if it's okay with Microsoft it's fine with me.
By the way, feel free to remove my comments.
By the way, feel free to remove my comments.
RobWill: Yes and no, they use a fingerprint from the motherboard to easily identify where a license belongs and as a result you may get a failure for the automatic online activation but (I could be wrong...) but I didn't think there was any explicit instructions on what necessitates a new license being required. I thought they avoided that in order to scare more people into buying new licenses than absolutely needed.
Do you have a URL to the article? If thats true then I might need to refer to it in the future.
One thing to consider that ought to negate that "rule" is if a motherboard fails in your PC and you have to replace it... I can't imagine MS would require you to buy a new OS license for the PC because your Biostar, Asus, ... whichever MB failed.
Do you have a URL to the article? If thats true then I might need to refer to it in the future.
One thing to consider that ought to negate that "rule" is if a motherboard fails in your PC and you have to replace it... I can't imagine MS would require you to buy a new OS license for the PC because your Biostar, Asus, ... whichever MB failed.
See: Q. If my customer asks me to upgrade a PC with new hardware components, when is a new operating system needed? When would the PC be considered "new"?
in the link above. You can put a new motherboard into a machine with a dead motherboard as long as the end result is as near identical a machine as the original manufacturer can produce.
You can't take the license and use it in an entirely different piece of kit.
in the link above. You can put a new motherboard into a machine with a dead motherboard as long as the end result is as near identical a machine as the original manufacturer can produce.
You can't take the license and use it in an entirely different piece of kit.
MASQ: I saw that ad can understand their point of view but there are loop holes in it:
sorry for double post.... browser goofed:
...
- what constitutes a "defect". I'll not go into that one
- "is the same make/model or the same manufacturer's replacement/equivalent, as defined by the manufacturer's warranty" If you are the system builder, installing the oem software, then you are the manufacturer and define your own warranty and may use whatever motherboard you have on hand or can easily get a hold of. I work in the medical IT field and there are lots of PCs that still run very old software... maybe they could get a replacement 486 motherboard but it'd probably be cheaper to buy a new x58 board (if they are not buying used anyway)
...
- what constitutes a "defect". I'll not go into that one
- "is the same make/model or the same manufacturer's replacement/equivalent, as defined by the manufacturer's warranty" If you are the system builder, installing the oem software, then you are the manufacturer and define your own warranty and may use whatever motherboard you have on hand or can easily get a hold of. I work in the medical IT field and there are lots of PCs that still run very old software... maybe they could get a replacement 486 motherboard but it'd probably be cheaper to buy a new x58 board (if they are not buying used anyway)
To sublifer: "I didn't think there was any explicit instructions on what necessitates a new license being required"
As per the quote I posted above from Microsoft; "The only exception to this is the motherboard 1. If the motherboard is replaced 2, the computer system is deemed "new" and a new license would be required. "
This is why on Ebay you see people selling the O/S with an old motherboard. They are trying to fit within the rules. Guess it would be OK if it were the original Motherboard.
To edbedb: Are we arguing what you can get away with, or what is legal?
Bottom line:
If the license has not been activated for 3 months it will activate
If you call Micorosft they will probably activate it for you
If you get caught, chances are slim, but I know those that have, you will be fined
Fact: it is a violation of the OEM licensing agreement.
As per the quote I posted above from Microsoft; "The only exception to this is the motherboard 1. If the motherboard is replaced 2, the computer system is deemed "new" and a new license would be required. "
This is why on Ebay you see people selling the O/S with an old motherboard. They are trying to fit within the rules. Guess it would be OK if it were the original Motherboard.
To edbedb: Are we arguing what you can get away with, or what is legal?
Bottom line:
If the license has not been activated for 3 months it will activate
If you call Micorosft they will probably activate it for you
If you get caught, chances are slim, but I know those that have, you will be fined
Fact: it is a violation of the OEM licensing agreement.
If this is not the case and it is a retail or volume license you can try the activation but if it don't work, just choose phone activation and walk through the wizard to have it activated.