Win XP install question

[flounder43]

Just so I know what to expect, what is going to happen when I switch computers and want to put XP on my other computer (I have only one copy, and only want to use it on my main system.) When it goes to activate, what is going to happen?

 

[Arcane]

in order to do this, you would have to uninstall xp from your old machine and re-install it on your new machine...then it would probably ask you to contact microsoft explaining why your hardware configured changed, then you should be good to go...if you are using xp pro, you won't have this problem...it's doesn't require activaton, but you knew that already

 

[flounder43]

Ok, so how does activation stop pirating then? I mean suppose I was dishonest, and just lied and told them I took it off my other machine? I don't get it. Hey, I only use one comp at a time, so I only need one copy, and I am honest. But I am just curious.

 

[Arcane]

can't help you on there...i'm sure microsoft asks you a buttload of questions before they believe you...only one way to find out...

 

[bdf24]

in order to do this, you would have to uninstall xp from your old machine and re-install it on your new machine...then it would probably ask you to contact microsoft explaining why your hardware configured changed, then you should be good to go...if you are using xp pro, you won't have this problem...it's doesn't require activaton, but you knew that already

How would a fresh install know that you changed hardware? LOL!
Sorry I could'nt resist.
Anyway even with XP pro you have to activate. Corp. eddition is the one that does'nt require activation. I know I've used both. My first version was XP Pro. and required activation after 30 day's. My current version has never asked to be activated. It's the XP Pro Corp. addition.

 

[Big Nuttz]

I've got an oem copy and I only had to call microsoft once. It was after upgrading my hard drive. Basically you just read them a number from your screen. Then they give you an activation number. I install about twice a month and I've never had to call again.

 

[flounder43]

My concern is this, I am going to (eventually) replace my mobo with a new Epox (I messed up my 8KHA with a soldering accident), and that will be my main system. I will probably use the HD, Vid Card, etc., but the mobo will require a clean install. I hope it isn't a problem, or I will regret installing XP on the temporary system that I am using now.

 

[LiquidConfusion]

not positive on this but I think it only records the mac address of your hdd... dont quote me on this cause im overseas and have to call every damn time i activate...

 

[LandShark]

all version of XP needs to activate besides the Corp. version (or the so-call mass volumn version).

the level of the re-activation is depend on whether u had a NIC card installed or not. w/out NIC card installed, there's 5 max. componet u can change before u'll need to give MS a call. w/ NIC, the max. is up to 7.

which means, if u change ur CPU, video card, memory, burner, that's only 4! and u r still good.

also, by the means of componet, that's the "department" of it. which means, if u change ur CPU 3 times, that's still just 1 componet changed.

 

[Arcane]

How would a fresh install know that you changed hardware? LOL!
Sorry I could'nt resist.
Anyway even with XP pro you have to activate. Corp. eddition is the one that does'nt require activation. I know I've used both. My first version was XP Pro. and required activation after 30 day's. My current version has never asked to be activated. It's the XP Pro Corp. addition.

actually from what i was told by microsoft is that they routinely check your pc hardware configuration and cd-key used with a database that they have...if it doesn't match then you get an error....so it doesn't matter if it's a fresh install or not...this is what turned me away from the home ed, since my hardware config usually changes 4 times a month between three different pc's...i didn't want to have to keep calling microsoft saying i replaced this on pc 1 and installing xp on pc 3 now...blah blah blah...then again, since most people go by it...it could have been a lie to prevent piracy...