Can I sell my copy of XP

[Needitcooler]

I am going to sell my computer to my friend who has his own copy of Windows XP. I was wondering how I would go about deactivating the copy of XP I have on my system now, so I could sell it. Is it even possible? Thanks.

Don't worry, this is all perfectly legal. I am not trying to do anything funny.

[Oni]

Well, if you're selling the system, you have to give him everything that's installed on it legally, including the OS. To remove the licence, you have to remove the OS from the system.

[Abra_Volta]

If he has his own copy of XP then just trade with him (this is assuming it isn't in use on another computer already).

[Needitcooler]

His copy of XP is installed on his old computer. He is going to uninstall it and put it on the computer I sell him. I want to completely remove my copy of XP I have installed on the computer now and sell it. Do I have to call Microsoft? This whole activation thing is mildly annoying.

[Johnny Knoxville]

Just give him windows XP and he will have to activate it when he installs it and he'll phone up microsoft and say his hardware specs

[Needitcooler]

The thing is, I am not going to give him my copy of XP. I want to sell my copy of XP. I don't need it. The new rig I bought came preloaded with XP. If I uninstall my copy of XP, can I just sell it? What happens to the buyer? Obviously they have to activate it, but won't Microsoft tell them that the copy they are in possession of has already been activated?

[KerryrreK]

if it came preloaded i dont think you can successfully put it on to a cd, like a full clean install. So it would be impossible to sell, unless you were just selling your cd-key or something, and that might be illegal.

Kerry

[Needitcooler]

No, it didn't come preloaded. I bought a full version of XP pro last November. I want to sell my full version. I have no need for it anymore. I just want to know if that is possible.

[bubba gump]

Well, if you bought it.....wouldn't you still have the disc?

I mean, you bought it....unless you threw the disc out...pshhh that wouldntve been wise.

So if you wanted to sell the OS, but not with the comp ur selling to ur friend : reformat your hdd, and make sure that there is no reminents of the os. If its partitioned back up the stuff you want, and then just reofrmat the hdd and the computer is ready to sell!

[Needitcooler]

LOL!! This is actually getting kind of humorous now. I have had 5 people answer my question, which I am thankful for, but no one has actually answered my question.

Once more: Yes, I have the disc still. Yes I will completely erase all traces of XP from the hard drive before I sell it, but my question is: When I sell someone my copy of XP, they will receive the original box, manuals, and disc. They will load it on their computer and try to activate it. When they try to activate, won't it tell them that their copy of XP has already been activated. How do we notify Microsoft that I have sold my copy of XP to another person, and I want my account deactivated?

[zachj]

Because you are legally allowed to transfer your software, so long as you provide everything it came with and uninstall it from your own computer, you can simply give it to him, I think. The worst that can happen is that they will have to call MS and tell them they bought it off of you. As long as he can prove it, or they belive him, no worries. If you think there will be problems, just install it and register it yourself and then give him the computer.

Z

[cursor]

I dont' understand Microsoft's licensing agreement the same way you guys do. From what I know you cannot install XP on another computer after you've activated it unless you are just doing upgrades. This goes for Office also (unless we're talking volume licensing like they do for big organizations like schools).

Where's Flounder (the lawyer) when you need him? Anyhow I don't think your friend can xfer his copy of windows or you can xfer yours. Call up that 800 number for product activation and ask them. That's your only way of being sure what to do. I have a sneaking suspicion they'll tell you what I'm telling you. MS wants you to buy a new copy of Windows every time you start from scratch with a computer.

[zachj]

You can legally transfer all rights given you, and the software, to anyone you wish as long as you uninstall it from your computer first.

Z

[UnseenMenace]

Originally posted by zachj
You can legally transfer all rights given you, and the software, to anyone you wish as long as you uninstall it from your computer first.
Z

This is not actually correct in Microsoft's opinion.. read below and click the link for more information

Recently, a fellow told me about trying to sell his copy of Windows XP. He wanted the new owner to be able to use the software, so he dutifully called Microsoft and was told he couldn't do that. He couldn't assign his rights to the software to someone else. Since I have never seen the sheet on this, I have no idea what Microsoft states about resales. He claims that, according to the sheet he got with his copy, resales are permissible, providing Microsoft is notified and the new owner is recorded in their big book. Apparently, he is stuck with his copy of Windows XP, even though he had a buyer at $250 and he was a willing seller. Has Microsoft changed it's policy on this sort of a transaction, or what is going on here?

http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/winxp/n1018957862

[zachj]

I was under the impression that that provision was made in the license agreement signed (accepted) when installing the software. I don't recall reading anything about a non-transferable license.

Z

[diggingforgold]

Simple: Where there is an installed copy of Windows, there must be a liscensed copy. Only one copy of Windows can be installed on only one PC.

[UnseenMenace]

Sorry Guys - Mr Gates needs more of your money, :D You can not legaly do it


Quote from the Windows XP Eula :-
* 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.

Windows XP EULA Changes (http://gita.state.az.us/licensing_contracts/Microcomputer/Window)

Windows XP EULA (http://proprietary.clendons.co.nz/licenses/eula/windowsxphome-eula.htm)

[Needitcooler]

M$ really upsets me sometimes. Thanks for the clarification. Guess I won't be selling my copy of XP.

[zachj]

oops. Any chance that has to do strictly with OEM copies? Not likely, just wondering. Thanks for the clarification.

Z