Operating System Transfer Windows XP

Question

Three years ago, I purchased a Dell Dimension and it has served me well. It came with Windows XP. The computer is now on its last legs and I am going to build a new box myself. Since this old Dell will no longer be used, can I install the Windows XP operating system on my new computer? It will only be used on the new box and on no other computer. Will I be able to activate it on the new box? It would be like doing a major upgrade and having to reactivate the OS. I feel I should be able to do this as I am a legitiment owner of this XP disk. Thanks Zeide

osprey4 · Answer

Zeide:

No, you cannot do this. The OEM version of XP is licensed for the OEM equipment only. However, you should have no trouble finding a commercial XP OEM disc, either on Ebay or just Froogling around, for maybe $50-60.

simpswr · Answer

But you can buy your very own OEM version . . likely from the same place you are buying parts for the new one.    wrs

rickmktg · Answer

@Zeide wrote:
I appreciate the responses. In Canada an OEM upgrade is about 140.00 and since I
had already bought a full version of XP when I purchased my dimension I figured that
I owned the rights to this operating system and I could do with it as I pleased. Not
sure why I would have to purchase another copy of XP when I already own this one, but
I will look into buying another OEM copy. Thanks again. Zeide

You don't own rights to the OS, nor can you do with it what you please. It is tied to the computer that it came with, hence the OEM designation, and is tied to Dell BIOS. When you bought your computer you are able to review the Microsoft license agreement and if you found it unsatisfactory you could have returned the computer.

zeide49 · Answer

I appreciate the responses. In Canada an OEM upgrade is about 140.00 and since I
had already bought a full version of XP when I purchased my dimension I figured that
I owned the rights to this operating system and I could do with it as I pleased. Not
sure why I would have to purchase another copy of XP when I already own this one, but
I will look into buying another OEM copy. Thanks again. Zeide

jmwills · Answer

Well, to make matters very simple, the OEM disc is not going to run on your home built system.  It will only be recongized by Dell systems.

osprey4 · Answer

jmwills: Actually, the Dell disc will run on another system, right up to the part where you are asked to activate it, then you're stuck.

jmwills · Answer

I've tried it several times just as a manner of testing the readability of a disc and it's never worked for me.  Interesting that it will load on some systems up to the point of activation and shut down, but I'm glad it does.

osprey4 · Answer

This was discussed on another forum and the guy tried to load the Dell XP disk on a home built computer. It was funny, actually, he loaded XP with the drive in a Dell, then transferred back to his home-built box. Sure enough, the activation request popped up!

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