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Author Topic: OEM copy of Windows XP on new Machine  (Read 1131 times)

OEM copy of Windows XP on new Machine
on: June 05, 2008, 10:39:36 AM
Hello!

I previously bought an OEM copy of XP for my old machine. Ive just build a new computer and I was wondering if anyone knows if I can move my copy of windows over to it. I know you can call Microsoft and reactivate it on the new machine, but I read on some random forum that you cant do that with the OEM version, just the retail. But I was wondering if maybe they just meant if you have one of those preinstalled ones that come on ready built PCs like a Dell. I have the full install disk, not just a repair one.

Thanks for any help!
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OEM copy of Windows XP on new Machine
Reply #1 on: June 05, 2008, 11:29:06 AM
OEM is OEM its linked to the hardware that it came with.

However its not going to kick up a fuss if you install it elsewhere, and automated activation should still work in theory.

If you call microsoft and want to reactivate it, just "neglect" to tell them that youre moving it, you could simply have upgraded the parts in your computer.

The computerised "enter group A, B, C" nonsense wont know the difference either on the phone. You should be fine. :)
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OEM copy of Windows XP on new Machine
Reply #2 on: June 05, 2008, 12:54:03 PM
Quote from: M3ta7h3ad
OEM is OEM its linked to the hardware that it came with.

However its not going to kick up a fuss if you install it elsewhere, and automated activation should still work in theory.

If you call microsoft and want to reactivate it, just "neglect" to tell them that youre moving it, you could simply have upgraded the parts in your computer.

The computerised "enter group A, B, C" nonsense wont know the difference either on the phone. You should be fine. :)


exactly.. so you better go take a cable from the old machine...


my sweeping brush is 15years old. It has had fourteen new heads and 16 new handles in that time .
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OEM copy of Windows XP on new Machine
Reply #3 on: June 05, 2008, 13:09:46 PM
Quote from: Eggtastico
Quote from: M3ta7h3ad
OEM is OEM its linked to the hardware that it came with.

However its not going to kick up a fuss if you install it elsewhere, and automated activation should still work in theory.

If you call microsoft and want to reactivate it, just "neglect" to tell them that youre moving it, you could simply have upgraded the parts in your computer.

The computerised "enter group A, B, C" nonsense wont know the difference either on the phone. You should be fine. :)


exactly.. so you better go take a cable from the old machine...


my sweeping brush is 15years old. It has had fourteen new heads and 16 new handles in that time .


Yeah but that wont work as the licence is for the machine, not a part in this case. :)

Seems like they bought a computer with a licence as is the usual, not a part with the licence.

A computer being the sum of its parts, not just A part.
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Re:OEM copy of Windows XP on new Machine
Reply #4 on: June 05, 2008, 13:33:56 PM
only people who nbother with licences are businesses... and they are tax deductable anyway  :w00t:
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Re:OEM copy of Windows XP on new Machine
Reply #5 on: June 05, 2008, 15:55:45 PM
Ok great :) I wasnt planning on using the old machine anymore anyway.

Thanks for the replies :)
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Re:OEM copy of Windows XP on new Machine
Reply #6 on: June 05, 2008, 16:14:03 PM
I dont think Ive ever built a whole new machine for myself. Some very extensive upgrades but never a whole new machine.

That means she started life as a Compaq Deskpro 286 at 12MHz in 1989, she is currently not in use but her most recent spec a twin Athlon MP 1900 with 2G of RAM.

M$ got so much stick when they tried to quantify what constituted a new machine requiring a new OEM license that they essentially gave up.
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  • Offline Mark

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OEM copy of Windows XP on new Machine
Reply #7 on: June 05, 2008, 17:16:46 PM
Quote from: M3ta7h3ad
OEM is OEM its linked to the hardware that it came with.

However its not going to kick up a fuss if you install it elsewhere, and automated activation should still work in theory.

If you call microsoft and want to reactivate it, just "neglect" to tell them that youre moving it, you could simply have upgraded the parts in your computer.

The computerised "enter group A, B, C" nonsense wont know the difference either on the phone. You should be fine. :)


If you say that you have made significant hardware changes, they deny activation. (At least the last time I pressed the button for that question on the phone activation it did)

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  • Offline Beaker

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OEM copy of Windows XP on new Machine
Reply #8 on: June 05, 2008, 17:19:12 PM
Quote from: Mark
If you say that you have made significant hardware changes, they deny activation.


Officially as long as you dont change the Motherboard then the licence is still valid.  
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  • Offline Serious

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Re:OEM copy of Windows XP on new Machine
Reply #9 on: June 05, 2008, 19:51:57 PM
Easy way is try it and if it works delete the operating system from the old one.

Or like some people do dont allow automatic updates, switch it off and block in your firewall.
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  • Offline Cypher

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Re:OEM copy of Windows XP on new Machine
Reply #10 on: June 11, 2008, 09:36:07 AM
These are the facts of the Microsoft EULA

OEM software may not be transferred from one system to another system.  However, the computer system can certainly be updated with new components without the requirement of a new software license.  The only exception to this is the motherboard  If the motherboard is replaced the computer system is deemed new and a new license would be required.

Other PC components may be upgraded, including a hard drive. Though if the hard drive is replaced/upgraded, the operating system must first be removed from the old hard drive.

If the motherboard is a factory replacement for a defective Motherboard, you can speed up the phone call activation process and avoid confusion by stating you made upgrades in compliance with the OEM EULA.  I would consider the replacement of a defective OEM motherboard in compliance with the OEM EULA.  Replacing a Motherboard with anything other than a direct replacement or upgraded Motherboard would fall into the category of a new system and a license for new operating system software is required.  Of course being the system builder you can define what is a "direct replacement".

In reality there is really nothing stopping you if you tell the Microsoft call centre what they want to hear.  *Legal Statement*  I do not encourage this and you must understand you are breaking the EULA license agreement in order to do this.
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Re:OEM copy of Windows XP on new Machine
Reply #11 on: June 15, 2008, 12:46:31 PM
Quote from: Serious
Easy way is try it and if it works delete the operating system from the old one.

Or like some people do dont allow automatic updates, switch it off and block in your firewall.



This is bollocks advice. Automatic updates & firewalls have nothing to do with activation.
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Re:OEM copy of Windows XP on new Machine
Reply #12 on: June 15, 2008, 12:48:26 PM
Quote from: DeltaZero
Quote from: Serious
Easy way is try it and if it works delete the operating system from the old one.

Or like some people do dont allow automatic updates, switch it off and block in your firewall.



This is bollocks advice. Automatic updates & firewalls have nothing to do with activation.


I think serious is getting confused between activation, and WGA. :)
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  • Offline Shaun

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Re:OEM copy of Windows XP on new Machine
Reply #13 on: June 15, 2008, 19:32:55 PM
Just say if they force you to do it over the phone "I had a virus and needed to do a full reinstall to fix it" answer no to the rest of the questions and a new shiny code will come your way   -)
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