XP License Question

[BigCheese]

Hey all, this is my first post here. Just starting on my very first build!!

I have a few quick questions on my windows XP license. I am currently using a Dell PC that I bought like 5 years ago. It has a valid Win XP license. I am thinking I would like to uninstall windows on that box and maybe throw linux on it.

1) So can I transfer my XP license to my new comp so I don't have to buy a new copy of XP?

2) Also, this might be impossible to know, but I have an XP reinstallation disk that I got from Dell. It says on the disk "only for use in a Dell computer", but do you think I could use it to install to my new comp? Or do you think it will recognize my new comp isn't a dell and forbid the install somehow?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

[guruboy]

I know that your XP installation CD that came with your Dell will not work on any computer that is not a Dell, and I'm pretty sure you can use the same liscense on a seperate computer. Maybe you should check out the MS website.

[tempus]

the dell disk is usable only on their machines because it contains drivers specific to the machine. otherwise anyone could use it on other machines without paying a license fee.

[glc]

Not exactly. The Dell license is only valid for a Dell computer, and the reinstallation CD is keyed to a Dell bios. There are no Dell-specific drivers on the reinstallation CD, it's just like a generic XP CD except for the bios lock. That's why Dell provides a separate resource CD, that has all the drivers on it.

So -

1. No.

2. No, yes.

[BigCheese]

Hmm, I was afraid of that. Guess this means 80 more bucks or so for an OEM copy of XP. ><

On a related note, I am also interested to know if I can transfer my license for Office 2003. My friend installed it on my machine a long time ago. He said he had bought three keys but only needed two. Some questions come to mind.

1) Is there an easy way for me to find what my license key is?

2) Is there an easy way to check if its legal? (My friend swore it was, but I want to know for sure since I have taken a personal vow against piracy)

3) Is there a place I could buy just the install CDs without a license for the installon my new comp? Or alternatively, could someone receommend a software tool that would allow me to transfer the software (key and all) to my new comp.

Thanks again for all your help.

[blue60007]

I installed Office 2003 Pro on a second computer, and it didn't complain. But, I went back and un-installed it from the first computer for sake of morality, and I didn't need it on there anymore.

[glc]

They are not as restrictive with Office. However, you do need the installation media and the CD key.

If it activated, it's legal.