Is it legal to install Windows XP on another HDD for the same computer?

[Sonikku]

Ok so the machine in question has a old 5400rpm drive with WindowsXP on it. I'm considering replacing it with a long over due upgrade to a Raptor 10,000rpm. My motherboard has the input so that isn't a problem. Rather, the problem is that I can't transfer all Windows files to another harddrive by simply copying them over. Also, I've been having a lot of problems with my current setup and figure a clean install of Windows would be just as well, killing two birds with one stone. But I remember having to submit a code to Microsoft when I originally installed windows as a security precaution. My copy is legit, but I'm unsure if I can install it again on the same computer with a different HDD. Is it legal? Or would I have to buy another copy of Windows? (lame) I certainly hope not. Seeing as how broadband is not available in my area, that good fellow Mr.Bittorent will be unable to drop a free copy on my doorstep.

 

[DeathSlayer]

If you have the OEM version, you can't install it again

If you have the retail version, you can install it on another HDD

 

[cryogenic666]

You may end up having to activate by phone if it thinks you're installing it on a second computer... However, it's perfectly legal to re-install it on the same computer after a hardware upgrade. It's not legal with an OEM copy because it's licensed to be used on a specific hardware configuration as purchased from a manufacturer and once you go changing the hardware configuration it's no longer the "same computer" apparently.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: DeathSlayer
If you have the OEM version, you can't install it again

If you have the retail version, you can install it on another HDD

Wrong.

You can reinstall just fine (its perfectly legal). An oem version is tied to your motherboard, not your harddrive.

 

[imported_goku]

Originally posted by: bsobel

Originally posted by: DeathSlayer
If you have the OEM version, you can't install it again

If you have the retail version, you can install it on another HDD

Wrong.

You can reinstall just fine (its perfectly legal). An oem version is tied to your motherboard, not your harddrive.

 

[cryogenic666]

supposedly windows can tell when you've changed your configuration a considerable amount when you go to re-activate? And I assume if it's considerably different than what you originally activated with, it will give you an error and you'll have to register by phone.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: goku

Originally posted by: bsobel

Originally posted by: DeathSlayer
If you have the OEM version, you can't install it again

If you have the retail version, you can install it on another HDD

Wrong.

You can reinstall just fine (its perfectly legal). An oem version is tied to your motherboard, not your harddrive.

Well, at least I don't need to correct your post for once

 

[Oxides]

My oem version is tied to my molex power splitter, because that is what newegg sent with it as the hardware requirement

 

[nweaver]

Originally posted by: Oxides
My oem version is tied to my molex power splitter, because that is what newegg sent with it as the hardware requirement

Wrong...

OEM is not tied to the HARDWARE PURCHASED with it, but rather to the PC it's installed on.

 

[RebateMonger]

OEM XP is, according to Microsoft's EULA, tied to the motherboard that it's originally installed with. You can't move it to a different motherboard unless the original motherboard has failed.

You can certainly replace any other component in your system. You may have to re-activate. But even if online activation is denied for some reason, you can always activate by phone.

If you have Retail XP, you can MOVE the OS wherever you want. Again, if online activation is denied for some reason, you can always call.

 

[Sonikku]

So seeing as wall it will be a fresh install on a new hdd, but it will use the original MOBO it's ok?

 

[Ichigo]

Originally posted by: nweaver

Originally posted by: Oxides
My oem version is tied to my molex power splitter, because that is what newegg sent with it as the hardware requirement

Wrong...

OEM is not tied to the HARDWARE PURCHASED with it, but rather to the PC it's installed on.

It was a joke. Christ. Newegg just requires XP to be purchased with hardware.

 

[KoolDrew]

Originally posted by: bsobel

Originally posted by: DeathSlayer
If you have the OEM version, you can't install it again

If you have the retail version, you can install it on another HDD

Wrong.

You can reinstall just fine (its perfectly legal). An oem version is tied to your motherboard, not your harddrive.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: Sonikku
So seeing as wall it will be a fresh install on a new hdd, but it will use the original MOBO it's ok?

Yep

 

[corkyg]

Forget reinstall! Just clone the old drive to a new drive and then replace the old with the new. If that is the only change, Windows will accept it cheerfully - find new hardware and ask for a reboot. That's all there is to it. I do it all the time.

As long as only that one drive is active in that machine - it's a non-issue.

 

[Jojo1971]

Originally posted by: corkyg
Forget reinstall! Just clone the old drive to a new drive and then replace the old with the new. If that is the only change, Windows will accept it cheerfully - find new hardware and ask for a reboot. That's all there is to it. I do it all the time.

As long as only that one drive is active in that machine - it's a non-issue.

acronis is all you need... :thumbsup:

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: corkyg
Forget reinstall! Just clone the old drive to a new drive and then replace the old with the new. If that is the only change, Windows will accept it cheerfully - find new hardware and ask for a reboot. That's all there is to it. I do it all the time.

As long as only that one drive is active in that machine - it's a non-issue.

Also, I've been having a lot of problems with my current setup and figure a clean install of Windows would be just as well