Windows XP install and activations questions, oh and multi-boot

Question

I have 4 dells, and recently built my own system from the ground up for use as a DVR (store security).  In a rush to get it going, I installed a copy of Win XP pro from one of my dells.  Well now I need to activate it but obviously can't. Question is, can I transfer that copy of XP over to my newly built computer?  I have a purchaced version of windows XP Home edition that is unused anywere so I could put it back on the original Dell.  I've installed lots of hardware, drivers, and software on my new DVR PC and don't want to reinstall the OS because it will wipe out my whole DVR setup.   Question 2 is, can I just leave the install as it is and will MS allow me to register that Home XP version I have on the DVR PC?  By 'allow', I mean WITHOUT completely reinstalling the whole XP OS? Thanks!   PS I eventually want to dual boot with Win 2000.  Is there a way to install my copy of 2000 with XP already on?  It gave me an error message that 2000 won't allow installation when a newer version of XP is installed.

jmwills · Answer

The answer is no, and I'm surprised it even let you install it, since it was a non-Dell MOBO involved.

reddsand · Answer

Forgive me but seems to me if you make a purchase of software, whether it is bundled with a new PC (as is the one I installed on my newly build one)..or it it's one bought off the shelf (as my Home XP version) .. they are the property of the person who bought them.  Am I missing something here, what is the problem installing purchaced and licenced software anywhere one like (as long as it is only on one machine)? I'll happily put my off the shelf purchace on my new PC but by question would be how to do it without losing all my programs and set ups with the OS I want to toss.

msgale · Answer

You are missing something, when you buy a Dell PC the OS that comes with it is licensed for that specific PC only.

reddsand · Answer

Cool, a guy drops 2-3 hundered on software that is outdated in the year or 2 that his hardware is outdated.  That is typical Microsoft.

msgale · Answer

You are certainly did not pay $200.00 - $300.00 for OEM XP Pro on a Dell PC, probably more like $50.00.  Hardware is not out date in in a vear or two either.  I am typing this on a four year old PC which is siting next to a eight year old PC, both run XP Pro.  Also any software you buy retail is yours to do with as you wish, only preloaded OEM software is restricted in this manner.

Denny Denham · Answer

Lest the situation become more confused, "Also any software you buy retail is yours to do with as you wish" is not precisely true. Any operating system you acquire retail is yours to install on any one computer at a time that you choose. The user still does not own the operating system, only the license to use it.

jmwills · Answer

First of all, you did not 'buy' the software.  You purchased a license to use the software and that's a big difference.  So, you don not own what is on that disc, Microsoft does.

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Windows XP install and activations questions, oh and multi-boot

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