Windows XP Home Edition

chuKKy

I need to replace two home PC base units and am currently looking at Aria PC Technology (www.Aria.co.uk). I want a decent spec base unit, mainly will be used for Internet and Microsoft Office Applications, that is reasonably priced. Aria supply their PC's without operating systems and here starts my dilema ...
The two PC's I am replacing were given to me a few years ago by a family member who had just upgraded his companies PC's (he owns the business). Although both machines have legitimate versions of Windows XP Home Edition on them (both machines have the Microsoft stickers with the registration keys on them), I was only given one Microsoft CD and I don't know which of the PC's the CD is for. Is each CD unique to the actual registration code? If so, as both PC's still work, is there a way I can distinguish which of them the Microsoft disk goes with? I don't want to buy two new copies of Microsoft Operating software if I can utilise my existing copy on one of the machines. Also, as I have the licence key sticker on the other machine, is there a way I can get replacement disks from microsoft without having to buy another copy? I am more than happy to stay with XP over Vista.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Regards.

GunJack

The disk shouldn't be tied to a licence key, so using the same CD-ROM to install the two new comps should be okay, just use one of the old keys on each of the new machines. I take it you'll be binning not re-using the old comps ?? There may be an issue if the versions you have already are OEM ones, but if it's a straight swap of the new for old pcs, then you'll probably be okay. Might be an idea to install it on one of the new ones, connect up to windows updates, and see if the validation tool throws a wobbly or lets you download the updates. If it does, you're good to go...

Unstoppable_2

It is not legal to use those licences on your new computer. They are non transferrable and die with the machine. Although it may install and activate OK, you are in breach of the licence agreement.

As to the CD...it doesn't matter which key you use.

GunJack

however...if you take out the HDD from the old comps and fit them into the new ones ....;)


p.s. what's happening to you Conor, you regenerating a la Timelord or something ?!?!?

DatabaseError

^ I was wondering the same, almost a new identity each day...!!!!!!?

DCFC79

GunJack wrote: »

however...if you take out the HDD from the old comps and fit them into the new ones ....;)


p.s. what's happening to you Conor, you regenerating a la Timelord or something ?!?!?

i was wondering the same,

chuKKy

Thanks for your help and advice everyone :beer:

Donnie

GunJack wrote: »

however...if you take out the HDD from the old comps and fit them into the new ones ....;)


p.s. what's happening to you Conor, you regenerating a la Timelord or something ?!?!?

Did I miss something?

GunJack

yeah, the regenerating Conor's post was deleted

Donnie

Regenerating? Was he banned from posting?

Phil51

If you use the codes on the stickers attached to the old machines it is illegal. Stickers on these machines relate to that machine only (OEM):(