Doug
Member
Registered: 8th Oct 03
User status: Offline
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My father has a computer that came with XP home pre-installed.
He wants to build a new computer.
Can you use that license key on the new PC without a problem? Or will that license key look for certain aspects of the installation that relate to the original Sony?
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Sam
Moderator
Premium Member
Registered: 24th Dec 99
Location: West Midlands
User status: Offline
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Good question. Here is an answer I found by doing a Google search (although this relates to Vista, the same licensing rules still apply) :
quote:
The OEM Windows Vista Product Key is only valid with the computer it originally came with. It is non-transferrable to any other computer and therefore cannot be used with any other computer.
Source
So legally/morally that's a no. Technically, it's probably a yes but if Windows has been reinstalled a few times before on your dad's old PC then Windows might moan about an invalid license key (in which case you would have to phone Microsoft and get them to give you a new one).
I'm sure a nerd will be along soon to confirm (or not as the case may be) the technical side of your question.
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Doug
Member
Registered: 8th Oct 03
User status: Offline
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legal/moral side ..... meh
Im more about a technical yes or no 
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Sam
Moderator
Premium Member
Registered: 24th Dec 99
Location: West Midlands
User status: Offline
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PMSL
I know you can definately 'bypass' Windows validation but that's obviously not something to be discussed on these forums publicly...
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Ian
Site Administrator
Registered: 28th Aug 99
Location: Liverpool
User status: Offline
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You can't transfer the licence but the CD will install fine if you put that old key in.
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