Question: Windows Licences.

I was just wondering that if i were to build my first pc (dont worry im ok on that lol) is it possible to use my windows licence (windows Xp Home Editon Version 2002 SP2) on my current pc on the new build?

If so I assume that i would have to unregister my current pc from windows. right?

Thanks for helping

If you have a full retail version of windows you shouldn't have any problems - It might require a phone call to Microsoft but I have never had to do that - it has always installed and worked for me without needing to contact Microsoft.

If you have a version that came pre-installed on your system by the maunfacturer then it is locked to your system and you will not be able to use it on another pc.

1 license per computer. If you were to transfer everything over to your new pc you could use the key on the new computer but you would have to format the old one, or get a new license key. Which is pretty easy, OEM keys are about 70 dollars.

Yeah it came pre-installed and i've re-installed once when reformating a few weeks ago.

I have a "recovery disk" which says



Doesnt look promising

Sell camera, buy new XP

I've never had a problem using a manufacturer OEM license key on a standard OEM installation of Windows. The problem is that most manufacturers don't use a standard OEM disk, it's some custom rolled garbage that won't boot on anything but their motherboard. Your best bet is to just get a system builder's copy of XP or Vista, and use that. They run about $100 US, though, so it might be worth it to obtain a standard OEM disk and use your old license.

Hmmmm well what about a mate of mine burns me a windows xp home editoon installation disk and i use my current key?



trying to be cheap here XD

I like my camera XD

Don't think it will work - looks like you have OEM. If it came on the computer it will probably be locked to a piece or pieces of hardware in the system - such as the mother board or hard drive - and will not work on the new system.

To be fair, you really need to buy a new copy of windows. Computer manufacturers keep their cost for windows low by assuring microsoft that the OEM version will not work on any system other than the one it was sold with. The customer does not have to pay the full cost of windows that way - so you got a price break when you bought your system.

You can buy OEM versions cheaper than full from places like New-Egg but you are required to purchase hardware of some kind at the same time to keep it legal.

Are saying that the acaul licence is locked to my pc, or the recovery disk?

The key is basically locked to that PC.

I believe that lock could be circumvented by calling microsoft but i'm not really sure. However that "recovery disk" doesn't sound well.

Last time i saw one of those, it was basically a windows install full of the OEM's crapware.

(-.-) oww i give up....

guess i gotta go for a new one when i build a pc XD

thanks for all the help


a spark of hope ^^, well i'll get my hands on a installation cd and use my current key and see how it goes

The most likely case is that the key will be used, and you will need to call the Microsoft activation hotline and say "my pc asploded" and then they will give you a new one. Simple as that.

Hmmmm..... would that acauly work, and to be more poilte what should i realy say instead of asploded without giving the impression that i just want a free key

They are far more lax on giving out keys than they should be, they will accept practically any explanation, as long as you don't give off that your clearly lying.