Reinstalling Windows XP on New Hard Drive

davetrousers

Thanks for the response chaps. However since I posted this my computer has died!

Not sure what the problem is, but it won't boot up now, I don't even get the BIOS come up when I switch on, the monitor says "No Signal - Check video connection" and the computer isn't booting up (I can tell because it isn't making the right noises).

So I think I might buy a basic Desktop (without an OS) from Novatech (they are local to me), so my question is, Can I install my legit copy of Windows XP onto a brand new machine without any licensing problems?

Marty999

Sadly not. As far as I am aware, Window O/S is licensed only for one computer and this license can not be transferred. So you will need to buy a new copy I'm afraid.

GreenNotM

If you bought OEM no you cannot install it on a totally different pc.

- if you have a "full" license - you may have to make the call and tell them the old system is dead etc ... and will never run XP ever again.

Have you checked the PSU - power leads etc ?

robt_2

Marty999 wrote: »

Sadly not. As far as I am aware, Window O/S is licensed only for one computer and this license can not be transferred. So you will need to buy a new copy I'm afraid.

Wrong. The user states they bought XP, which would normally suggest its not an OEM version. Therefore, the following applies.

TRANSFER—Internal. You may move the Product to a different Workstation Computer. After the transfer, you
must completely remove the Product from the former Workstation Computer. Transfer to Third Party. The initial
user of the Product may make a one-time transfer of the Product to another end user. The transfer has to include
all component parts, media, printed materials, this EULA, and if applicable, the Certificate of Authenticity. The
transfer may not be an indirect transfer, such as a consignment. Prior to the transfer, the end user receiving the
transferred Product must agree to all the EULA terms. No Rental. You may not rent, lease, lend or provide
commercial hosting services to third parties with the Product

davetrousers

Err it is an OEM version

robt_2

If it is OEM, then generally it means it is tied to your motherboard and Microsoft will more than likely reactivate it for you. If you have to ring, explain you had to replace the hard drive as it broke, and the old drive has been destroyed.

sco0ter

davetrousers wrote: »

Err it is an OEM version

What hardware did you buy it with.....???? Was it the motherboard or something like a mouse??

davetrousers

sco0ter wrote: »

What hardware did you buy it with.....???? Was it the motherboard or something like a mouse??

Can't remember, don't think I bought it with anything.

robt_2

davetrousers wrote: »

Can't remember, don't think I bought it with anything.

Don't worry, its not relevant, see my post above.

isofa

Installing a new HD will be fine, XP usually only makes a fuss when you replace more components, especially the motherboard.

These links might be helpful:

How to Transfer Windows XP Activation Infomation http://netsecurity.about.com/od/windowsxp/qt/aaqtwinxp0829.htm

And general info from MS: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/evaluation/features/activation.mspx