XP install / license questions

[ron2368]

I have a system I am using now that has xp pro with an old athlon system. I have never updated it thru microsoft since I had dial up. The xp was put on by someone I dealt with back then who did pc repair. I do not want to contact this person, has nothing to do with this system.

I purchased a new dell with 7 pro on it but dont want to use win 7. I got a new HD for the dell and put xp pro on it and tried to use the coa # for the xp pro on the system I wanted to replace and it would not take the number at all. I then used an xo pro # from another system I am using on another pc, just to see if it would take and it worked.

I want to replace the board and cpu on the athlon system above, Given what happened above with coa # for that xp pro, am in for a problem if I do this? I am getting dsl, should I update the system with microsoft before or after I put in the new parts.. Why wouldnt the coa # not be accepted on the xp pro install I did on the new dell.

I hope I am not too confusing about this, I can tinker with things but am not totally competent as you can tell. If anything seems unclear I will try my best. I have been coming here for years and everyone is always helpful. thank you

 

[DrGreen2007]

it probably depends on the COA#, it it OEM or retail? each needs a different CD to install and work with
If your going to replace the board and cpu in the athlon system, youll want to reinstall XP when you put it back together
Does everything work in xp on the new Dell that came with 7?

 

[ron2368]

The xp disc/cd is oem, it comes with a small xp booklet. I did not fully test out the install but what I did seemed ok.

 

[ViRGE]

If it's OEM then it's only licensed to be used with the Athlon. Only retail copies can be transferred.