Re: Windows XP on another computer

Blipbloop wrote:
> My old computer was upgraded to windows XP from Win98 SE a long
> time ago. Recently that computer died and I have since purchased a
> brand new computer. My friend who still uses his old computer at
> work would like to use the XP upgrade CD that I have since my
> computer died. Is there a way to unregister my old computer to
> allow him to use the disk on his computer now?

Shenan Stanley wrote:
> Unregister?
> No - you likely never registered it.
>
> Upgrades are retail versions - if it is not installed anywhere
> else - you can install it anywhere you want.

Blipbloop wrote:
> I can't remember exactly what I did when I installed it on my
> computer but I am pretty sure there was a registration key that I
> typed in when installing it. When I do that, it doesn't register my
> machine with Microsoft? It's just a key code that allows it to
> continue installing without any communications with Microsoft via
> the internet??

That was an "activation" key. Activation is mandatory, registration is
optional (and - as far as i can tell - pretty well worthless.)
The CD Key (that you should have with the CD - otherwise that CD is a
coaster) is what allows you to activate your copy of Windows XP - allowing
it to run on that machine. Microsoft doesn't track any personal data with
that procedure. They are just validating the number you used is
legitimate - one they made up.

If it has been more than 120 days since you did that - you can install it
elsewhere and activate it over the internet with no problem. (Anyone can -
actually.)

If it has not been more than 120 days - you (anyone) may have to make a
phone call to activate it.

That's it. There is no name attached to that copy of Windows XP.

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html


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