Old XP disk okay to use?

[dead head]

I am SO stupid about this

Can I use the same XP installation disk that came with my PC or do I have to buy XP new?

 

[The Flashing Fi]

I am SO stupid about this

Can I use the same XP installation disk that came with my PC or do I have to buy XP new?

Legally, you're supposed to buy a new disk (I'm assuming this is a disk from something like a Dell, HP, IBM, ect). These are OEM licenses, meaning the license is tied to that computer (more specifically, the motherboard). You cannot transfer the license.

Now, if you bought XP from a store (a retail copy), then you can transfer the license.

I am just telling you what you're legally supposed to do. If you want to bypass anything, that you're perogative.

 

[crm114]

As long as the XP disk is SP2 you should be fine, technically speaking. Orignal or SP1 disks will not work.

 

[callmemike20]

If you have the original FULL retail or SP1 full retail, you can do something called Slipstreaming. Google it and it should tell you what to do. From what I'm aware, this is legal and is actually how some IT people do it. It basically adds SP2 to your disc.

 

[The Flashing Fi]

If his PC came with Windows and he wants to use it on his Mac, then he'll have to re-buy Windows since that copy is OEM and tied to that PC.

 

[JNB]

Actually all that has to be done is remove the original installation and the OP is free to reinstall it on any hardware they own. It's a one machine at a time license, and since they own the original hardware it came with, they're in the clear legally, morally, and technically. As a former MS reseller and OEM, I can tell you this is the way it's always been.

BTW, OEM Windows is identical to Retail, it's not "tied" technically to hardware in any way, period. It's just licensing.

 

[The Flashing Fi]

Actually all that has to be done is remove the original installation and the OP is free to reinstall it on any hardware they own. It's a one machine at a time license, and since they own the original hardware it came with, they're in the clear legally, morally, and technically. As a former MS reseller and OEM, I can tell you this is the way it's always been.

BTW, OEM Windows is identical to Retail, it's not "tied" technically to hardware in any way, period. It's just licensing.

You are very, very, very wrong and MS disagrees with you as well.

http://blogs.msdn.com/mssmallbiz/archive/2005/06/06/425681.aspx

Read number 4.

Transfering is only allowed with retail keys.

In fact, here is a copy of the clause from the OEM version of XP:

Software as a Component of the Computer - Transfer. THIS
LICENSE MAY NOT BE SHARED,
TRANSFERRED TO OR USED CONCURRENTLY
ON DIFFERENT COMPUTERS. The SOFTWARE
is licensed with the HARDWARE as a single integrated
product and may only be used with the HARDWARE. If the
SOFTWARE is not accompanied by new HARDWARE, you may
not use the SOFTWARE. You may permanently transfer all
of your rights under this EULA only as part of a
permanent sale or transfer of the HARDWARE, provided
you retain no copies, if you transfer all of the SOFTWARE
(including all component parts, the media and printed
materials, any upgrades, this EULA and the Certificate
of Authenticity), and the recipient agrees to the terms
of this EULA. If the SOFTWARE is an upgrade, any
transfer must also include all prior versions of the
SOFTWARE.

What this means is that you may not transfer XP OEM to another computer and you may only install it on new hardware. If you decide to sell the computer, the software goes along with it and you must not keep any copies of the software with you and the buyer may use the software if they agree to the terms of the EULA.

In contrast, here is the EULA of the XP retail.

13. SOFTWARE TRANSFER. Internal. You may move the Software to a different Workstation Computer. After the transfer, you must completely remove the Software from the former Workstation Computer. Transfer to Third Party. The initial user of the Software may make a one-time permanent transfer of this EULA and Software to another end user, provided the initial user retains no copies of the Software. This transfer must include all of the Software (including all component parts, the media and printed materials, any upgrades, this EULA, and, if applicable, the Certificate of Authenticity). The transfer may not be an indirect transfer, such as a consignment. Prior to the transfer, the end user receiving the Software must agree to all the EULA terms.

That's pretty clear. You can transfer the software as long as you remove it from the previous computer (IE, only one computer may use the license at a time). You can also make a one time transfer of the software as long as you uninstall it and don't keep of the software.

So, I have a MS employee saying that you can't transfer XP OEM, I have the EULA that you agree to that says you can't transfer. What more do you need?

 

[cohibadad]

seems pretty clear. OEM tied to hardware is not transferrable. Learn something new everyday.

 

[Mr. Zarniwoop]

As a former MS reseller and OEM, I can tell you this is the way it's always been.

BTW, OEM Windows is identical to Retail, it's not "tied" technically to hardware in any way, period. It's just licensing.

Um... no, that is incorrect. Perhaps you were a former reseller before Microsoft released XP/Vista activation/validation/"genuine Windows"? Activation ties the OEM license to the PC (characteristics of the motherboard), and if/when you try to reinstall on a new PC, it won't activate, it will say your copy of Windows is not genuine, and then kindly offer to sell you a new license over the Internet.