have to change hard drives, XP license question..

[passn_thru2]

I'm building my wife a Computer, GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128358

she has a 6 yr old 80 Gb ATA HD in a Compaq Presario, and a recent new 2 yr old XP 32 bit OS... i thought i would get a 500 GB SATA and transfer the data with a Belkin Kit. i know little about the license details of transferring the present XP to another HD in another Computer.. can i do that..??

if i can, do i just upload the XP into the new computer, transfer the data. or can i just transfer without loading the new one first...

if someone knows a link to the info or has a few minutes to explain it, I'd appreciate it.

thanks...

[mjkovis]

I am sure someone else could explain this a bit more thoroughly than I could, but since no one has answered I will give you the best answer I can...

You can ONLY use one license per active PC. So, if you are putting the old PC in the graveyard and uninstalling everything, sure you can reinstall XP on the new system.

Now, that being said, I think you wanting to clone the old Compaq drive for the new PC? That will not work as easily. Since the old drive has the Compaq's drivers installed the new PC will not work properly. The best way for you do this would be to freshly install XP and then transfer the files you need to the new PC. After you are done 'nuke and pave' the old drive.

Did that answer your question?

[kilgoretrout]

It depends on the type of license. Most computers that you buy from a name manufacturer come with an OEM version of windows installed on it. OEM versions of windows are tied to the motherboard and cpu. Change one of those components and you will need a new windows license.

You indicate that you upgraded to winxp two years ago. If you bought a full version of winxp, that license allows you install it on any one machine, i.e. unlike an OEM license, a full version of windows is not tied to a particular motherboard/cpu.

Those are the strict license terms. However, many around here have reported that historically, Microsoft has not enforced the limitations OEM versions of windows and have given activation codes on OEM versions of windows even when the motherboard or cpu have been changed.

[rjfvillarosa]

Originally Posted by passnthru2 and a recent new 2 yr old XP 32 bit OS...

Are you saying that two years ago you bought a retail copy of XP and installed it on the Presario?

[passn_thru2]

yes.. i have the disc, i was just checking.. to avoid potential errors..

i have a Belkon transfer kit, when i set up my ASUS rig i took my data out of the Compaq Presario, reformatted it/reinstalled XP and transfered her data out of her 15 yr old HP Pivilion 8670c to the Compaq between crashes.

now the Compaq is really slowing down.. and she wants me to build her a "GOOD" computer like mine.

she needs to set up Windows Office 2007, i don't think the Compaq has the ram to run it.. came with 256 Mb RAM.. i added another 256 Mb RAM.. but it cant use it all. the software has to be registered within 90 days of activation or you can only use what you've already done after that. and its expensive.

i dont want to perhaps mess up something i could have done right with the right info..

thanks...

[glc]

Install XP and your software fresh on the new computer, then use a USB adapter or other method to copy your data files from the old drive to the new one. It's not worth it to try to clone the whole drive for several reasons.

Is the XP disk you have full retail, OEM, or upgrade?

[passn_thru2]

says OEM.. i took it to a computer store.. they put it in. i have since learned more about this, but not about all the variables.

i have since learned more about this.. i have loaded XP 4 times and Vista64 once. this says it has no recovery console.. i just noticed that written on the disc packet cover.. never had it all the way out of the plastic wrap before

[glc]

Does it say OEM, intended for installation on a particular brand computer? Did it come with a COA?

[passn_thru2]

it says on the MS sticker... on the shrink wrap bag.

"Proof of License Certificate of Authority" with a product key and 2 bar codes.

the Start Book says "for Distribution only with a new PC"

sorry i didn't post this first...

[glc]

That's a generic OEM - you should be able to reuse and activate it.

[passn_thru2]

thanks..