so perhaps someone can answer this before I actually this. I got a new MB and im thinking to bootcamp it just for the sake of having both OS. I dont plan to run windows but just want to have it there waiting in case I need to. So if I have my old laptop and I have the windows XP install disc with the serial code deal, can I just use that disc and password? not trying to get into an ethics debate here, I dont see it being wrong because I have already paid for the OS once.
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Can I use my old XP install disc for Bootcamp
- Thread starter Merkyworks
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Ethics asides, the Windows Authentication safeguards will not let you install on the macbook (as you have already used the license on your old Dell).
It needs to be a Windows XP Service Pack 2 install disc, and not BIOS-locked to your old laptop either. Try it - but first make sure you back-up your Mac in case it goes horribly wrong.
You can use it on the mac, IF you have removed it from the other computer. Only issue, is you may need to phone MS to get it set up. I too have used XP from one comp to another, after trashing the old machine.
I promise not to hammer the licensing/EULA/ethics issues but that is why Microsoft uses their stupid Activation/Authentication systems.... you paid for the OS once with a one machine license, but now want to use it twice with two machines (unless of course you have removed it from the old one in which case it is fine!
). We just have to pray that Apple doesn't finally start doing the activation kind of thing with OSX too!
(unless of course you have removed it from the old one in which case it is fine!
For the love of God. Please stop spreading this misinformation!
You are referencing the EULA of XP Retail license. For an OEM license, it is tied to that computer. According to the EULA for OEM XP, the license is NOT transferable, even if you uninstall before installing. For Retail XP, it IS transferable. The only stipulation is that you can't have it installed on 2 computers at one time.
I'm not going to get into what the OP should do. He is breaking the EULA. I'll just leave it at that.
And your assuming he is breaking the EULA, he may have a retail copy of XP. He didnt say one way or the other.
Unless his laptop is 8 years old and came with Windows 2000, I would say it's a pretty safe assumption since PC laptops that are 7 years old or younger came with either XP or Vista (and even since Vista has been released, a lot of manufacturers offer downgrades to XP).
And what does it matter what I assume? I didn't advise him on what he should do to begin with.