XP transfer problem

[ozzoright]

I recently built a new pc from scratch, only using the hard drive for my old computer. My old pc was store bought, a gateway pc. I figured after everything was put together I could just start the thing and activate my copy of windows for the new machine. It didn't work online so I called for a customer rep and gave them my installation number, but it wasn't valid so i didnt get a confirmation number back. Should i just talk to tech support and see if they'll help me at all cause I'm pretty sure my copy of window is an OEM version, dont think ill have much luck with that... Im thinking a reinstall might be my only choice.

-thanks

[EzyStvy]

OEM cd's can't be re-used/transfered to another machine.

Re-using a drive that is full of drivers for different hardware isn't good either.

You'll need to purchase a new copy of XP.

[delikios]

You can't use the same windows installation for a machine with totally different hardware (different hardware abstraction layer). If you manage to boot, you will have major instability issues.

[Negeva]

Originally Posted by delikios You can't use the same windows installation for a machine with totally different hardware (different hardware abstraction layer). If you manage to boot, you will have major instability issues.

Huh?

This in reference to OEM copies of software, which are tied into the hardware they were first installed on. In some cases, such as Windows OSes, you can get them to transfer the OEM licence over to a new PC. A phonce call and an understanding telephone representative is all you need.

delikios, I can only assume you're referring to installing (and/or transferring) the OS to a new machine or replacing something like the motherboard without re-installing the OS. Yes, in most cases it will be un-stable and is not the correct thing to do but it can be 'fixed' by doing a repair installation or removing the 'old' drivers before installation.

[EzyStvy]

delikios was referring to yanking a OS drive out of one machine and poping it into another totaly different machine.

[ITlover]

yepi ,

u cannot use the same WinXP CD to install WinXP on other computer.

[EzyStvy]

Sure you can use the same cd on another pc. Only have to have a new key code that matches the cd type. (oem/retail etc)

[delikios]

Originally Posted by EzyStvy delikios was referring to yanking a OS drive out of one machine and poping it into another totaly different machine.

That is exactly what I was talking about :-)

[glc]

You certainly can transfer a drive if you do a repair reinstall. However, you cannot legally use a Gateway XP install on a homebuilt, it's only licensed to the Gateway and MS will deny reactivation if you do manage to get it to boot.