One question which gets asked a lot on the PCMech Forums is if Windows licenses (i.e. CD keys) are transferable to a new or different computer. As with just about any computer question, the answer is ‘it depends’.
For a simple explanation, check out this this post where the author answers this exact question. Basically it all boils down to where you bought your PC. If it came from a major manufacturer (Dell, HP, etc.) and had Windows pre-loaded, the answer is most likely no as the CD key is tied to the manufacturer’s motherboard.
Another handy tidbit to know is how Windows Activation works and what it looks for. If all you need to do is swap out some parts, knowing this is a good way to ‘ease’ your Windows copy into accepting the hardware without giving validation fits.
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trendless said:
6/19/2008 2:58 pm
Although I haven’t clicked through to the link provided, your comments might be a little misleading. First off, any XP code that is an OEM copy of the operating system is not allowed to be transferred to a new machine according to Microsoft’s licensing agreement; Dell, HP, etc are Original Equipment Manufacturers and use OEM keys. Most, if not all, computers that came pre-installed with Windows XP will be using OEM keys regardless or where they were built or purchased.
Secondly, you cannot ‘ease’ your copy of XP into accepting new hardware slowly over time. It is based on a points system. Each hardware device in a system is assigned a certain value (some are worth more than others). Onboard devices (those connected to the motherboard, like audio and LAN often are) are considered individual devices, not part of the Motherboard. When a hardware device is exchanged for a new one those points are tallied. The point-totals do not reset over time. If you change your video card today you will have applied “X” amount of points towards your total allowed before you have to reactivate. If then you change your sound card (or disable your onboard network card and install a new card or any hardware device) the system will add “Y” amount of points today to the “X” amount of points from before and if the total is over the allowable amount you will be required to reactivate Windows. Unless you mislead the Microsoft technician you speak with on the phone (ie you tell them the whole story of what upgrades you have made) they are not supposed to process your reactivation. That said, if you answer very tersely yes or no without elaborating on exactly what you’ve done, typically they will just activate your installation ID.
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Luis R. said:
6/20/2008 7:46 am
In practical terms it is possible to transfer the license to another computer. I once did a complete rebuild of my computer (new motherboard and other devices but only kept the existing hard drive) and had to reactivate. It had to talk to someone to get the activation key and I simply said I had upgraded my system and that my license was not being used in any other computer (which was and is still true). I got the reactivation without problems. Thenext time I replaced the hard drive and made a fresh install. Had to call again and talk to someone and told him I was doing a fresh install.
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John said:
6/26/2008 12:25 am
I was wondering about this myself and found out why i kept getting the invalid activation code on my laptop, I just ordered a recovery disk to change that. Thanks for the info.
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