XP OEM version - move hard drive to a new system OK?
I am trying to gradually upgrade my system. Right now, I'm running Windows 98SE and have a small hard drive. I really don't have enough to purchase or assemble a full system right now, so thought I would do it in stages. I need a larger hard drive anyway and so thought about getting a new drive and installing an OEM version of XP on it.
Sooo.... with some of the things I've been reading about an OEM version, if I later get a new mobo & processor, or just move the drive to a new barebones kit, will that work or will XP complain and I'll be unable to get a new license. I've heard there could be problems with the OEM versions so wanted to get the scoop from those in the know. Thanks in advance!
for the most part you are fine. You can usually get away with installing home OEM's on 3-4 different computers before you get red flagged. If you install XP and change your board and CPU, you will get boot into a blue screen 9/10 times though. To remedy this, boot off the XP cd, run setup, and chose to RECOVER your windows instalation. It will get you up and running again and doesn't screw up your installed users or programs
Keep in mind that some OEM licenses (I don't know for sure if this applies to XP or not, but probably) are ONLY valid for the computer they came with. So if you have a completely separate computer, you're not supposed to install it. I'm not sure what happens if you gradually replace each piece and when one computer "becomes" a different one. I mean, they can't expect you to never upgrade *anything*.
I should clarify that I was planning to buy a Windows XP OEM version...it's not already installed on my system. I would buy a new HD, install the new XP on it, then at some point in the future, move both to a new barebones kit.
As I said before, you can use 1 liscense on 3-4 systems before activation redflags you. When that happens, all you do is call microsoft, and tell them that your NEW windows xp computer will not activate, and they will give you a fresh key. Ive done this about 20 times sofar I have to honestly say that I haven;t ever paid for an OS in my life, my laptop came with an XP key, so I feel that is more than enough for me to justify running xp on my other machines Not that I would condone software piracy or anything, but it is really damn easy to download an iso of xp pro corp and generate a key...
Since you used the words home OEM in the first reply, I wasn't sure if you were just talking generically about using XP at home or XP Home as I wondered if there may be differences between XP Home & HP Pro in the licensing issues. Thanks.
I haven't ever installed an XP pro RETAIL, just the OEM's, but sofar EVERY xp aside from corperate you can generally get 3-4 cpu's off of it. And, as I said, if it gives you trouble call microsoft and they will give you a new one Some times they try to be stingy, if thats the case just call back and you will get a different rep
Keep in mind that some OEM licenses (I don't know for sure if this applies to XP or not, but probably)yes it applies to xp are ONLY valid for the computer they came with. correct So if you have a completely separate computer, you're not supposed to install it.right again I'm not sure what happens if you gradually replace each piece and when one computer "becomes" a different one.nothing, if it doesn't stop you first I mean, they can't expect you to never upgrade *anything* a new motherboard to them unless it is the same model and a replacement for the original being broken, qualifies as a new PC other than that there is a certian limit of components you can change at once, before you have to reactivate (I don't think I'm supposed to give the formula so I won't).
As an OEM myself I have to step in and confirm what Kati is saying, see my in-line replies.
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XP OEM version - move hard drive to a new system OK?
I have to honestly say that I haven;t ever paid for an OS in my life, my laptop came with an XP key, so I feel that is more than enough for me to justify running xp on my other machines 
Some times they try to be stingy, if thats the case just call back and you will get a different rep
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