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Hi Folks,
If I were to take a computer that runs XP Pro, permanently remove XP Pro from it and install Linux, would I then be permitted by MS to install and Activate that copy of XP Pro on a new machine that I've just built? Thanks!
Limerick
https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
I assume that your XP Pro was a standalone disc and not part of a store bought machine. In that case I think MS would let you - though you may have to call them to convince them that you don't have it on two machines. If the machine had XP Pro on it when you bought it (i.e., a store-bought machine), then I believe the answer is no.
I also thought that if it's been more than 120 days since you activated it the first time, then MS has deleted the record so as far as they're concerned you're activating it for the first time.
It also depends on whether the XP Pro disk is OEM or full retail. If full retail no problem, but if it's an OEM that goes with the original computer and no, you can't install on a totally different computer.
I thought an OEM disk is just one that has to be sold with a piece of hardware. i.e., that you can install in on any computer as long as it's only one at a time. Or are you using OEM to describe a copy of XP that comes preinstalled?Quote:
Originally Posted by photolady
NickC,
Many thanks for the quick reply. Standalone is indeed the case. This XP Pro CD was purchased directly from MS and I installed it on a machine that I built about three years ago. I had forgotten about the 120 day thing. Sounds like I should be "good to go" with my plan then... :DQuote:
Originally Posted by NickC
Limerick
Nick, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) means OS versions that are sold to computer builders, not to the end-users directly as retail versions are. There are two OEM types: unbranded, for "white box" (custom) builders and branded (Dell, HP, etc.). M$ threw fits when OEM versions started selling on eBay and elsewhere because they (M$) lost money on the markup they'd otherwise have made in the retail market, so they demanded that some sort of hardware be included in the transaction to make OEM sales "compliant."Quote:
Originally Posted by NickC
The biggest difference between retail and OEM (aside from brand-specific code in the branded OEMs) is that a retail product key lives forever as long as it's only on one machine at a time. An OEM product key expires when the computer does, unless M$ can be sweet-talked into making an exception.
I don't quite understand this. You said a retail product can be only on one machine at a time. But then doesn't your statement about OEM (I'm talking only about the unbranded kind) say the same thing? If a retail copy can only be on one machine, and an OEM version can only be on one machine, then why pay extra for retail?Quote:
Originally Posted by lgbpop
No. If your retail install is on a machine whose motherboard or hardware dies, you can install the OS using the same product key on a new computer. If your unbranded OEM install "goes down with the ship," your product key will be detected as invalid if you try to install it on a new computer.
Thanks for clarifying!
Igbpop thanks for jumping in and explaining that about OEM. I got busy and couldn't get back. Sorry Nick, but I'm glad you're in the know now. ;)
Glad to help out. :)
Just to clarify...
Retail can be moved from computer to computer as often as you like, as long as its installed on one computer at a time.
OEM can only be purchased with a new computer and you cannot move to another computer at all. There are (Microsoft) rules as to what you are allowed to do if the hardware fails in an OEM computer. You may upgrade all parts except the motherboard (I think you are allowed a maximum of 2 upgrades). A new (upgraded) motherboard would require you to purchase a new OS. However, if your motherboard was to fail, you can purchase a new motherboard and use the same OEM version. The activation may not work, but you can call MS and tell them you purchased a new motherboard because the previous one failed, and they will allow you to activate it.
HTH
I have 2 OEM XP pro licences that have been totaly upgraded several times each. Mainboards and processors. Can't re-activate over the internet but can with one simple phone call to India or Pakistan, wherever the MS call center is.
It's funny - after reading this thread I was discussing the issue with a collegue and he said the same thing: he bought an OEM license when he built his first computer. When he built a second computer a couple of years later, he used the same OEM copy (out of ignorance figuring since he was removing it from the old machine everything should be okay) and has been using that ever since with no trouble from MS regarding updates, etc.Quote:
Originally Posted by cwm
But this sounds just like what a retail copy is supposed to give you. Is this one of those MS no-no's that they just haven't been able to fix? Like the old days where you could install Windows or Office on multiple computers but it was against the EULA?
Its more like the honor system and MS looking the other way.
I agree with Usil. The only time I tried--out of professional curiosity, mind you, not malicious intent--I got the invalid product key response; but I do know of people who have done it. There was a 120-day period at one time, but I don't know what's up with that now. I think M$ created a policy before they had the means to enforce it which is what started all the confusion. That's why I think they've gone out of their way to announce their policy before Vista is even available, to eliminate the confusion this time around.
Wait a minute usil. :) We're talking Microsoft here. There's no honor system with Micr$oft, it just fell through the cracks. That's just one more of the loop holes Microsoft closed with Vista.Quote:
Its more like the honor system and MS looking the other way.
You are right, its not exactly the honor system. In fact, its probably MS trickery. When you upgrade your motherboard (with an OEM OS), you have to buy a new OS. However, if your motherboard dies and you have to replace it, you call them up and tell them, and they will validate it. I guess the strategy is that the computer will not be validated through the net and that people will automatically go out and buy a new OS because they don't know that they can call and get it validated over the phone.
Or perhaps I am being too pessimistic ;)
Yes, MS didn't do a great job explaining this with XP. In fact, when I bought my OEM copy of XP, the Fry's guy actually told me that it's exactly the same as retail only you have to buy a piece of hardware.