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    New Computer - Old OS CD?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by spud8, Dec 3, 2007.

  1. spud8

    spud8 Notebook Consultant

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    If I build a new barebones laptop, can I use my old copy (and key) of Windows XP if I don't use my old laptop ever again?

    Same question, with MS Office?
     
    spud8, Dec 3, 2007
    #1
  2. Skye2

    Skye2 Notebook Evangelist

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    You should be able to.
     
    Skye2, Dec 3, 2007
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  3. NotebookYoozer

    NotebookYoozer Notebook Evangelist

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    as long as they are retail copies and not OEM copies (that came with a prebuilt computer), then it's ok.

    otherwise, if it's an OEM CD, it will probably error out
     
    NotebookYoozer, Dec 3, 2007
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  4. Commander Wolf

    Commander Wolf can i haz broadwell?

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    Dell OEM CDs will usually work on non-Dell installations, but you'll need a new license. I don't think OEM CDs let you transfer licenses.
     
    Commander Wolf, Dec 3, 2007
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  5. NotebookYoozer

    NotebookYoozer Notebook Evangelist

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    1. most dell OEM CDs don't work on other computers because the install routine searches out a bit on the MB to verify it's a Dell. it's my bad saying it will error out. pre-vista, that was true, but i forgot to say that for Vista, it will install on a non-Dell, but will turn off after 30 days if not activated with a "real" license. i have seen (once) someone say that they got a Dell OEM disc (XP) to work on a non-dell machine once, but i have no way of verifying that or that the install actually did not "turn off" "vista style".

    2. OEM license is non-transferable by definition. Office, i'm not so sure.
     
    NotebookYoozer, Dec 3, 2007
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  6. spud8

    spud8 Notebook Consultant

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    I currently have a Clevo M560A (Sager 5320) barebones which I bought from www.rjtech.com, with Windows XP. The license tag came on the bottom of my computer... so it's not retail. Will that CD work in a barebones ASUS? Or should I buy a new copy of XP?
     
    spud8, Dec 3, 2007
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  7. Apollo13

    Apollo13 100% 16:10 Screens

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    Nope - that tag indicates it's an OEM. It will only work on the computer it came on, at least for most OEM copies. A Sager OEM would not work on an Asus computer for sure.

    Question though: Will a Dell OEM CD of XP work on another Dell?
     
    Apollo13, Dec 3, 2007
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