New Hardrive, WinXP key reusable?

[Jates]

I'm trying to save some cash in my new build by using my old HDD. In time, I'll buy a new HDD and would like to set it as the primary drive. How does microsoft know when we use registered key on a new HDD? I don't want to get shafted with piracy issues when I try to use windows update.

Thanks to anyone with a solution.

[GaryRouth]

The license works this way: it is good for one computer. So, if you are not using your current copy of XP any longer, you can use it in a new build, but you will need to re-activate it with Microsoft. You don't have a choice on this matter = the activation process allows only a certain amount of hardware changes before re-activation is necessary. No money is involved in re-activating: it just ensures that the current installation is only activated copy for that license [your previous configuration becomes defunct, so to speak].

Hope that clears things up.
. . . Gary

[. . . and, yes, you are correct that if two machines were to visit Windows Update with the same license number, one wouldn't work . . . ]

[P.S. #2 --- by the way, if you DO need a new copy of XP, and can get by with the Home Edition - several large retail chains have recently offered rebates, gift-card discounts, and such - for the XP Home Edition, bringing it's final cost down to the $30 to $40 USD range]

[macko72]

You can use it only on one machine at the time!!!

[Jates]

O Good, the honest way wont end with a disappointment. Having never purchased a copy of windows and never built a computer, I was just clueless on the matter. Well maybe not entirely clueless, I have been rejected for using a seriel code already in use.

So thanks, looks like I'll be able to afford some nice RAM after all.

[xiankai]

hmm... win xp cd key has license protection.. but what about 98 and 2k?

[sdkfz]

xiankai - while the software for win 98 and 2k do not have the software capabilty to prevent mutiple installs, the legal agreement for all versions does.

It was the consumer's mis understanding of the concept of a single use license and the resultant multiple installation of single license on multiple machines that forced Microsoft to seek a better way to force consumer compliance with the legal agreement.

[digitalfreedom64]

In other words they reinforced their ability to drain our wallets dry.