Here it is.

My 3.5 year old computer is at its wit end. I only have 2 USB connectors that work, it freezes during post if I restart it with USB items plugged in, my video card cant run COD5, and now I am getting video errors with BF2.

Over the next few weeks I will be ordering my parts from Newegg. Do I HAVE to buy ANOTHER copy of XP or can I reinstall it on my new computer? I am trashing my old computer when my new one is done too.

To the best of MY Knowledge, you have to have a new copy...

Just order a new OEM Version from NewEgg when you're ordering parts...

OR, you could pick up a Linix disc....

Microsoft will allow it in the event of a "motherboard replacement".   If you also choose to replace the chassis, power supply, plug-in cards, drives, etc.  there's nothing about that that's prohibited.

You can't have two running machines on the same COA.  You can retire one and transfer the other via a motherboard replacement.


CJ

on the front of your old computer you should see a small windows xp label.

carefully, remove it and place it on the front of your new computer. besure to touch the metal case to discharge any static electricity!

now, turn on your new computer and test to make sure the transfer was successful.

I will be running my old CPU until the day my new one is done. I will take my old 75g raptors and install them in my new comp to copy over the files. My files are on another drive so that will be EZ.

Yea I know. I buy the "whole" comptur from Newegg so they sell me the OS. Thing is I buy the WHOLE computer in parts. Still OEM though.

I have installed a copy of xp on a new built computer that was previously installed on an old computer.  When you have to register the copy, you may have to call microsoft, but you can just tell them you  had to replace your motherboard.  I actually do it alot when I build pc's for people.

How did you purchase the copy of XP you have now?


If it came preinstalled, you cannot transfer it.  Although i would probably still try it.


If you bought a retail copy you can move it around, as long as you are only using the key on one computer at a time.

FYI
Microsoft OEM Licensing FAQ
There are alot of misconceptions and misinformation surrounding Microsoft OEM software licensing and what is legal according to the terms of the EULA. This FAQ will be dealing strictly with the Microsoft OEM licenses for Operating Systems such as Windows XP, Windows Server, etc. Please note that OEM applications such as Microsoft Office are not within the scope of this FAQ.

The information presented is taken directly from Microsoft’s OEM website. For most of you who are reading this, the links provided require registration before you can browse them. Since software licensing is a legal grey area, this FAQ is to provide readers with information to how OEM licensing is supposed to work.

Purchasing an OEM license.

Microsoft’s OEM licensing comprises of *two* EULAs, the first being the sellers and the second is the end user. The seller’s EULA has specific requirements in which they must follow in order to legally sell an OEM license to a customer.

OEM OS included as part of a new computer system.

Any vendor selling a computer with an OEM OS is required to “pre-install” the Operating System in such a way the end user who receives the computer system can complete the OOBE (Out of box experience).

Quoted from Microsoft's OEM Builder FAQs:

“Q. What is the OPK and why do I have to use it?

A. System Builders who distribute Windows software on a fully assembled PC must preinstall the software on the PC's hard drive using the OEM pre-installation kit (OPK) included in the OEM System Builder Pack.

Preinstallation using the OPK ensures customers can experience the intended "Windows Out of Box Experience" or OOBE and they receive the opportunity to accept the EULA.

Additionally, the OPK is easy to set up and use and will save you time versus manual installation. It enables you to add shortcuts and branding of your business to the operating system, enables you to test preinstalled PCs without interrupting the preinstallation process, and much more.

For more information on the OPK, please see https://oem.microsoft.com/script/con...?pageid=512592"

OEM OS sold separately.

Another way in which a user can obtain an OEM copy of Windows is by simply purchasing it from a vendor. The vendor must still follow the “sellers” EULA when selling a single copy of the OS. The EULA states the vendor must sell the OS bundled with a “non-peripheral component” that is “essential” to running the PC. Microsoft has a FAQ on this as well:

Quoted from Microsoft's OEM Builder FAQs:

"Q. The current System Builder license states that I may distribute an operating system license with a "non-peripheral hardware component". What hardware components are considered "non-peripheral"?

A. A non-peripheral hardware component is a hardware component that is considered to be essential to running a computer system, and includes components such as memory, internal devices and drives, mice, keyboards, and power supplies. Examples of components that are not considered essential are external modems, networking devices, cameras, printers, and scanners. "

Vendors selling "COAs"

Quoted from EULA.TXT located on any generic OEM installation.

"END USER PROOF OF LICENSE. If you acquired the SOFTWARE on a device, or on a compact disc or other media, a genuine Microsoft "Proof of License" COA label with a genuine copy of the SOFTWARE identifies a licensed copy of the SOFTWARE. To be valid, the label must be affixed to the COMPUTER, or appear on the SOFTWARE packaging. If you receive the label separately, it is invalid. You should keep the label on the COMPUTER or packaging to prove that you are licensed to use the SOFTWARE."

Buyer beware, vendors selling standalone COAs (Certificate of Authority) are not legal! Microsoft does not provide COAs as a “standalone” item that can be bought. The only legal way to obtain a COA is by purchasing a legal copy that comes with the hologrammed disk and COA.

Quoted from Microsoft's OEM Builder FAQs:

"Q. I see products like Win XP Pro — COA only — advertised for sale. Is this legal?

A. Offers to distribute incomplete OEM System Builder software packages are not legal. Under no circumstances are System Builders or any other vendors authorized to distribute single OEM System Builder software components such as stand-alone certificates of authenticity (COAs).

Please note that the Certificate of Authenticity included with each OEM System Builder software package authenticates only the software components with which it is legally distributed. As mentioned, any offer to distribute an incomplete Microsoft software package (i.e. COA only) is not authorized, and any individual who was to obtain incomplete Microsoft software components would not be authorized to use the associated software or redistribute the components. For OEM System Builder Windows desktop operating system product, the complete software package must include the COA, hologram CD, and manual(s).

If you are aware of, or have suspicions of piracy concerning Microsoft software, we urge you to send an e-mail to [email protected] or visit www.microsoft.com/piracy/reporting.

Additionally, we recommend acquiring Microsoft OEM software from an authorized Microsoft OEM distributor or associate — an assured source of genuine Microsoft software."

OEM “marriage” and license restrictions

OEM licensing has certain restrictions as to what you can and cannot do according to the terms of the EULA that you accept during installation.

Q. What computer component ties the OEM license to the computer?

A. Short answer – the first motherboard the OS was installed on. In the case of your purchase of an OEM license with a new computer, this license is tied to the motherboard of that system. In the case of a purchase of OEM software from a retail seller, this would be the first motherboard you install the software on, *not* the “hardware” that was bundled with your OEM purchase.

Quoted from Microsoft's OEM Builder FAQs:

"Q. Can a PC with OEM Windows XP have its motherboard upgraded and keep the same license? What if it was replaced because it was defective?

A. Generally, you may upgrade or replace all of the hardware components on your customer's computer and the end user may maintain the license for the original Microsoft® OEM operating system software, with the exception of an upgrade or replacement of the motherboard. An upgrade of the motherboard is considered to result in a "new personal computer" to which Microsoft® OEM operating system software cannot be transferred from another computer. If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect, then a new computer has been created and the license of new operating system software is required. If the motherboard is replaced because it is defective, you do NOT need to acquire a new operating system license for the PC.

The reason for this licensing rule primarily relates to the end-user license agreement (EULA) and the support of the software covered by that EULA. The EULA is a set of usage rights granted to the end-user by the PC manufacturer and relates only to rights for that software as installed on for that particular PC. The System Builder is required to support that license the software on that individual PC. Understanding that end users, over time, upgrade their PC with different components, Microsoft needed to have one base component "left standing" that would still define that original PC. Since the motherboard contains the CPU and is the "heart and soul" of the PC, when the motherboard is replaced (for reasons other than defect) a new PC is essentially created. The original System Builder, therefore, can not be expected to support this new PC that they in effect, did not manufacture."

Transfer of an OEM License

The next restriction comes with transferring the license. OEM software that has already been used, installed, activated, etc is not transferable unless you transfer the entire computer along with the software to another party.

Quoted from Microsoft's OEM Builder FAQs:

"Q. Can my customers transfer or sell their OEM software licenses?

A. After an OEM software license has been installed on a PC, the license may not be installed on or transferred to another PC. However, the entire PC may be transferred to another end user along with the software license rights. When transferring the PC to the new end user the software media, manuals (if applicable) and certificate of authenticity label must be included. It is also advisable to include the original purchase invoice or receipt. The original end user cannot keep any copies of the software.

The end user license agreement (EULA) is granted to the end user by the System Builder and relates to the license on the PC with which it was originally distributed. Because the System Builder is required to support the license on that original PC, a System Builder can not support a license that has been moved from a PC they manufactured to one that they did not. This is one of the key reasons why an OEM System Builder license can’t be transferred."

Quoted from Microsoft's OEM Builder FAQs:

"Q. My customer bought a new PC and wants to move their OEM software from the old PC to the new one. Can't they do whatever they want with the software?

A. The software is licensed with the computer system on which it was originally installed and is tied to that original machine. OEM licenses are single-use licenses that cannot be installed on more than one computer system even if the original machine is no longer in use. The end user license agreement (EULA) accepted by the customer before they use the software, states that the license may not be shared, transferred to or used concurrently on different computers. The System Builder is required to provide end-user support for the Windows license. A System Builder can not support a license that has been moved from a PC they manufactured to one that they did not — this is a fundamental reason why OEM System Builder licenses can't be transferred."

Product Activation and OEM software

Recently Microsoft has changed their policies in regards to product activation for their OEM Operating Systems. Remember the FAQ about COAs? This is probably the major reason why Microsoft has changed their policies. COAs that normally should have been used on new PCs by OEMs were being sold on the internet.

This change only affects the top 20 OEMs who provide “BIOs locked” CDs with new computer systems. You will not be asked to call Microsoft if you use your recovery disks properly and with the machine it is intended for.

However, if you attempt to use the keycode on the name brand computer’s COA with an OEM disk, then you *will* be asked to activate by telephone to answer a few key questions before the Microsoft representative issues a new activation code.

From all information I have gathered so far, Microsoft will eventually extend this policy to all OEMs who provide “bios locked” recovery disks. This policy will not affect smaller OEMs who provide the original OEM disks to the customer and the customer will be able to activate as over the internet as normal.

Product Support for OEM Software

PRODUCT SUPPORT. Support for the SOFTWARE is not provided by MS, Microsoft Corporation, or their affiliates or subsidiaries. For SOFTWARE support, please refer to Manufacturer's support number provided in the documentation for the HARDWARE. Should you have any questions concerning this EULA, or if you desire to contact Manufacturer for any other reason, please refer to the address provided in the documentation for the HARDWARE.

Basically OEM copies receive no support directly from Microsoft. Rather you must refer to your place of purchase for support *if* they provide such support. Please note that support *generally* comes from smaller OEMS who provide the software bundled with a computer.

Miscellaneous

"1-2 CPU" labeling

Some copies of Windows XP have labeling such as "1-2 CPU", this labeling has caused some confusion and misconceptions about what "1-2 CPU" stands for. I direct you to the following excerpt directly copied from the EULA.TXT on any *generic* Windows XP machine:

"Installation and use. You may install, use, access, display and run one copy of the SOFTWARE on the COMPUTER. The SOFTWARE may not be used by more than two (2) processors at any one time on the COMPUTER, unless a higher number is indicated on the COA.

The above statement is clear in that the labeling of "1-2 CPU" means the number of processors on a *single* computer and not that you can install the same copy on two different computers.

Backup Copies

"Back-up Copy. YOU MAY MAKE A SINGLE BACK-UP COPY OF THE SOFTWARE. YOU MAY USE ONE (1) BACK-UP COPY SOLELY FOR YOUR ARCHIVAL PURPOSES AND TO REINSTALL THE SOFTWARE ON THE COMPUTER. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THIS EULA OR BY LOCAL LAW, YOU MAY NOT OTHERWISE MAKE COPIES OF THE SOFTWARE, INCLUDING THE PRINTED MATERIALS ACCOMPANYING THE SOFTWARE. YOU MAY NOT LOAN, RENT, LEASE, LEND OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THE CD OR BACK-UP COPY TO ANOTHER USER"

The above statement means you can make one backup copy for archival purposes. I along with others suggest that you make this backup copy and *use* the backup copy as your primary media thus saving the original media from being scratched or damaged. If the backup is damaged, then you can simply destroy the damaged copy and make another backup from the original media.

"Downgrade Rights"

Use of Previous Version Of SOFTWARE. If the COA which accompanies the HARDWARE identifies the SOFTWARE as Microsoft Windows XP Professional SOFTWARE, then in lieu of installing and using Microsoft Windows XP Professional SOFTWARE, you may install, use, access, display and run the same language version of ONE (1) of the following versions: Microsoft(R) Windows(R) 2000 Professional, Microsoft(R) Windows(R) NT Workstation version 4.0 or Microsoft(R) Windows(R) 98 (Second Edition) ("Downgrade Software") on the COMPUTER, provided (1) you agree that Downgrade Software support will NOT be provided hereunder by Manufacturer, MS or Microsoft Corporation, their affiliates or subsidiaries; (2) you agree that neither Manufacturer, MS nor Microsoft Corporation are obligated to provide you with the Downgrade Software or media; (3) you may not loan, rent, lease, lend or otherwise transfer the CD or back-up copy of Microsoft Windows XP Professional to another end user, except as otherwise provided in the transfer provisions of this EULA; and (4) such Downgrade Software shall be deemed "SOFTWARE" for the purposes of this EULA and use of the Downgrade Software shall be in compliance with all the terms of this EULA, except that, with respect to Microsoft Windows 98 (Second Edition), your Connection Maximum shall be limited to five (5) Devices. If you exercise the downgrade rights granted herein, you may install, use, access, display and run the Microsoft Windows XP Professional SOFTWARE, provided (1) you remove the Downgrade Software from your hard drive; (2) you do not loan, rent, lease, lend or otherwise transfer the CD or back-up copy of Downgrade Software to another end user, except as otherwise provided in the transfer provisions of the EULA for the Downgrade Software; and (3) such Microsoft Windows XP Professional SOFTWARE shall be deemed "SOFTWARE" for the purposes of this EULA and use of the Microsoft Windows XP Professional SOFTWARE shall be in compliance with all of the terms of this EULA. If the COA which accompanies the HARDWARE identifies the SOFTWARE as either Windows XP Tablet PC Edition or Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 then no downgrade rights are granted herein.

Basically the above statement means if you buy license for Windows XP Professional for a new computer and have software that cannot run on Windows XP Professional due to age or incompatibility reasons, then you may install and use an older version such as Windows 98SE, NT4,or 2000 Professional. This downgrade right does not grant you permission to concurrently use the Windows XP Professional and the older Windows software at the same time. Once your software application has been made compatible with Windows XP Professional, you may then wipe out the old version of Windows and install the XP Pro License.

Windows XP Upgrades

UPGRADES. If the SOFTWARE is labeled as an upgrade, you must be properly licensed to use a product identified by MS or Microsoft Corporation as being eligible for the upgrade in order to use the SOFTWARE ("Eligible Product"). For the purpose of upgrade(s) only, "HARDWARE" shall mean the computer system or computer system component with which you received the Eligible Product. SOFTWARE labeled as an upgrade replaces and/or supplements (and may disable, if upgrading a Microsoft software product) the Eligible Product which came with the HARDWARE. After upgrading, you may no longer use the SOFTWARE that formed the basis for your upgrade eligibility (unless otherwise provided). You may use the resulting upgraded product only in accordance with the terms of this EULA and only with the HARDWARE. If the SOFTWARE is an upgrade of a component of a package of software programs that you licensed as a single product, the SOFTWARE may be used and transferred only as part of that single product package and may not be separated for use on more than one computer.

If you purchase an upgrade version of Windows XP and use an older version of Windows to "qualify" the upgrade, then you are no longer allowed to use the older version of software on any other computer.

NFR Versions

NOT FOR RESALE SOFTWARE. SOFTWARE identified as "Not For Resale" or "NFR," may not be sold or otherwise transferred for value, or used for any purpose other than demonstration, test or evaluation.

Self explanatory. Anyone selling "NFR" or "Not for Retail" sale software are making money on software they originally received for *FREE*. So in reality they are taking advantage of people's lack of understanding of licensing to make a quick buck.


Last Update 08/12/2005

+1

Wrong.  If your motherboard quits, it is Microsoft's policy to screw you:

We found this out the hard way during a Dell recall.  Because the recall involved replacing the motherboards, Microsoft required us buy a second copy of Windows.  Of course this isn't legal, but Microsoft has never respected the law.z

I was curious about that too...  So if you buy retail, mobo swaps are good?

This is the kind of stuff that drives people away from Microsoft and to Linux.

Really?  I honestly didn't know that.

Could it be that MS just won't do it for Dell?  I know for a fact that many of the "VLK" (volume license) versions of XP that ended up out in the wild as bootlegs were Dell corporate installation disks (fact: I know a guy that has a copy) that Microsoft eventually disabled (mostly disabled, anyways) due to abuse.

Could that be only for Dell mobos?  What if you have a retail copy of XP you bought for one of your own builds that may have blown a mobo?

Again, retail copies you can move around as much as you like.  As long as the key is only used on one computer at a time.

See, that's what I thought.  However, I have heard quite a few stories like Tre's about having problems transferring pre-installed copies.

I dunno, maybe MS has different policies for retail and OEM copies.

I am sitting here looking at TWO computers that I built, that are both hooked up to the internet via my wireless network.
I used the same XP disk on both of them...and on a laptop.
It is a full retail version of XP that I bought when I heard Microsoft was planning to drop XP.

I have reformated this computer many times and each time I am able to resuse XP. Last time I did it though I used a hacked key and MS caught me. $140 later I got a new XP CD and key straight from Microsoft.


MS, my hard drive crashed so I had to reinstall XP.

They do.  An OEM copy must stay with the machine, and cannot legally be transferred to another.

I didn't mean to imply that you technically CAN'T put it on more than one PC.  Technically there is nothing stopping you.  The activation process might balk after 3 unique installs but all you have to do is call them.

It is against the licensing agreement however.

We went through the same motherboard recall for capacitors, but MS didn't require us to buy any new software, they authorized it for us even with the tech assistant saying "we just replaced the motherboards on these machines."

-d

Honestly at this point I doubt Microsoft is going to throw a hissy fit over XP.  On the rare occasion I had to call India/Pakistan to obtain a good key, I just told them that I was replacing the hdd and they never have given me any flak.

Honestly, how many of us even go legit on MSFT?  There are lots of "student edition" windows XP Pro's out there that does not require activation. Go grab yourself one of those and you're set.

Honestly, nobody other than honest people go legit.

This is simple

If it is a full retail copy of XP you can legally transfer it to a new computer.

If it is a OEM copy you cannot.

The police will be there shortly. Standby!

Oh, and dibs on your ammo.

I bought it straight from MS so it has to be retial, right?

Windows XP attaches itself to a hardware ID I do believe (someone correct me if I'm wrong). When I had this happen when I replaced a PUS, RAM, and Hard Drive after being fried it wanted me to enter an activation code after the install was done.

When you call microsoft's 1800 number it gives you to get one, press a bunch of numbers to confuse the computer to get to a real person. Then they will ask you the 1st set of #'s and ask if its installed on one or more computers, just say one, and they'll activate it for you.

That has happened to me before and I did exactly what you stated.

I got the Blue ray drive today. Mobo is next sometime in Dec.