Windows XP serial key transfer?

[bluemicrobyte]

So I'm trying to put Windows XP (home) on an older machine but I don't want to shovel out the cash for a full retail copy of XP. Can I take a serial key from an old windows XP computer (like a pre-built computer with XP pre-installed) and use it to install XP on another computer? Where would I get XP installation disks? (Could I use a "system recover/restore" set from another computer? Or should I find actual windows XP CDs somewhere?)

[U-238]

Noting the situation you seem to be in I'd say that footing up the cash to buy XP is about your only (legal) way to go. Usually computers that have XP already installed when you get them means that, that copy is proprietary and won't work on any other brand of computer. (the one exception to this rule is if it's a generic computer. Even then there's no real way to "transfer" a cd key.) If you did manage to get your hands on a generic copy of XP with a key you might be able to install and, when it comes time to activate, use the telephone option, nav through the activation bot, get a real service rep on the phone and tell them that you've swaped motherboards. Luckily they're usually nice enough to hand you a new cd key.

Other than that though, buying it looks to be the only other option.

[Darkslayer633]

So I'm trying to put Windows XP (home) on an older machine but I don't want to shovel out the cash for a full retail copy of XP. Can I take a serial key from an old windows XP computer (like a pre-built computer with XP pre-installed) and use it to install XP on another computer? Where would I get XP installation disks? (Could I use a "system recover/restore" set from another computer? Or should I find actual windows XP CDs somewhere?)


a pre-built computer that you would buy in a standard retail outlet has it pre installed because they specifically don't want you to install it anywhere else, in fact as far as I know there isn't a way to install it onto another machine. Even if you found another install disk, and installed it on another machine with your CD-key that constitutes illegal actions but who knows it might be legal, I would if I were oyu contact mirco$oft first

[bluemicrobyte]

Hmmm, but is the serial key itself (the one found on the sticker on the side of the tower) usable to install and activate windows XP on another machine? (regardless of the legality, I'm wondering if Microsofts electronic checks would allow it and activate the copy of XP anyways)

[Toucan]

No BMB, you are not legally allowed to do what you are saying.

That being said it does some times still work.

It's times like these that win98se still comes in handy.

[bluemicrobyte]

Alrighty then. Thanks for the advice. My last resort will be to put windows ME back on the old machine =P

(Now I wonder if it's legal to use a windows 98SE serial key to upgrade a machine..... =P)


edit: I should note that when I said "use a serial key from another machine" I was implying that the computer from which I would take the serial key was a dead computer, so the serial key would be *moved* to a new machine, not copied -- though I doubt that changes anything legally.

[Toucan]

My last resort will be to put windows ME back on the old machine =P
Ewwww
You know what the ME stands for mate? Mugs Edition.

[bluemicrobyte]

Hehe, hence it being my absolute last resort...... I'll try a few other things before I get to that though..... ;P

[Basan]

BMB, if you don't want to cash out a new set of XP setup CD's and that PC will remain dead maybe you could try the key swap (even though it's not technically legal).
Other than that please lets leave the skew options aside (the public debate), shall we? :P