Product Key

[TheHeadFL]

You will need to obtain the CD key that was used on the old PC, its probably stuck on a sticker to a COA somewhere.

You then install Windows on the new computer and you can call Microsoft and explain exactly what your situation is when it is time to activate. You have the right to have ONE and ONLY ONE current installation of Windows that belongs to you. They will allow you to activate it then over the phone.

EDIT: This is assuming it was a retail distribution of Windows.

Microsoft is generally cooperative with this sort of thing.

 

[gtrdude485]

schweet thanks alot guys. saves me a few buck$

 

[EricB]

You will need to obtain the CD key that was used on the old PC, its probably stuck on a sticker to a COA somewhere.

You then install Windows on the new computer and you can call Microsoft and explain exactly what your situation is when it is time to activate. You have the right to have ONE and ONLY ONE current installation of Windows that belongs to you. They will allow you to activate it then over the phone.

EDIT: This is assuming it was a retail distribution of Windows.

Microsoft is generally cooperative with this sort of thing.

you can tranfer your one copy of xp to as many computers as you want as long as you take it off the old machine(s).

some people call microsoft and give them a sob story each time that they build a new computer and they will have that 1 copy of xp on 5 computers (and they will have a ghost image backed up on each computer).

they are more flexible in this regards than they were 3-5 years ago, when they use to question the heck out of you, when they used to enforced that 1 copy, 1 more time. you tell them the right excuse they give your a new install ID

 

[furtivefelon]

No you didn't and it will not work. Ever since Windows 95 it was 1CD key=1 Computer

that's wrong, i've been pirating long enough to know that a CD key can be used on many computer before MS even notices.. They are not going to store hundreds of millons of profile just to catch some piraters.. Whom can just generate a new CD key..

Though, i think that MS license prohibits installing on anymore than two/three computers if you buy retail..