Transfer OEM Windows to a New PC

March 19, 2008

I'd like to buy a new computer (to get up-to-date hardware) and transfer my current software to the new computer, in effect replacing the contents of the new computer's hard disk with the contents of my current hard disk. Yes, I know there will be driver issues and I'm prepared to deal with them.

What I have is a legal question: I understand that my OEM copy of Windows XP is not allowed to be transferred to a second computer, even if I am the owner of that second computer. (Correct?)

What would I have to do to make Windows 'legal' on the new computer. I suppose I could run out to the store and buy a copy of Windows XP to use its license key - but is there a better (as in less expensive) way?

(I believe I have the same question regarding my OEM copy of Office.)

Thanks for your help.

Daddy

March 19, 2008

Re: Transfer OEM Windows to a New PC

Sorry, but OEM versions of Windows are non-transferrable to

a different PC. Only retail licenses may be transferred.

--

Carey Frisch

Microsoft MVP

Windows Shell/User

---------------------------------------------------------------

"Daddy" wrote:

I'd like to buy a new computer (to get up-to-date hardware) and transfer my current software to the new computer, in effect

replacing the contents of the new computer's hard disk with the contents of my current hard disk. Yes, I know there will be driver

issues and I'm prepared to deal with them.

What I have is a legal question: I understand that my OEM copy of Windows XP is not allowed to be transferred to a second computer,

even if I am the owner of that second computer. (Correct?)

What would I have to do to make Windows 'legal' on the new computer. I suppose I could run out to the store and buy a copy of

Windows XP to use its license key - but is there a better (as in less expensive) way?

(I believe I have the same question regarding my OEM copy of Office.)

Thanks for your help.

Daddy

March 19, 2008

Re: Transfer OEM Windows to a New PC

In addition to Carey's response, a retail pk would not work unless you

installed Windows with a retail cd. OEM and retail product keys are not

interchangeable.

"Daddy" <daddy@news.invalid> wrote in message

news:MJadnXo3LOLG733anZ2dnUVZ_ournZ2d@comcast.com...

I'd like to buy a new computer (to get up-to-date hardware) and transfer my

current software to the new computer, in effect replacing the contents of

the new computer's hard disk with the contents of my current hard disk. Yes,

I know there will be driver issues and I'm prepared to deal with them.

What I have is a legal question: I understand that my OEM copy of Windows XP

is not allowed to be transferred to a second computer, even if I am the

owner of that second computer. (Correct?)

What would I have to do to make Windows 'legal' on the new computer. I

suppose I could run out to the store and buy a copy of Windows XP to use its

license key - but is there a better (as in less expensive) way?

(I believe I have the same question regarding my OEM copy of Office.)

Thanks for your help.

Daddy

March 19, 2008

Re: Transfer OEM Windows to a New PC

Thank you, Carey and Colin.

So what you're saying, Colin, if I understood you correctly, is that I cannot replace the OEM license key I have now with a retail license key. In other words: I cannot legally move an image of my current hard disk to the hard disk of a new computer. I was hoping that Microsoft would permit this, in exchange for the license fee to which they are (rightfully) due.

Daddy

"Colin Barnhorst" <c.barnhorst@comcast.net> wrote in message news:A6F37F80-BE40-46FF-9E2E-C382BC12D92E@microsoft.com...

> In addition to Carey's response, a retail pk would not work unless you

> installed Windows with a retail cd. OEM and retail product keys are not

> interchangeable.

>

> "Daddy" <daddy@news.invalid> wrote in message

> news:MJadnXo3LOLG733anZ2dnUVZ_ournZ2d@comcast.com...

> I'd like to buy a new computer (to get up-to-date hardware) and transfer my

> current software to the new computer, in effect replacing the contents of

> the new computer's hard disk with the contents of my current hard disk. Yes,

> I know there will be driver issues and I'm prepared to deal with them.

>

> What I have is a legal question: I understand that my OEM copy of Windows XP

> is not allowed to be transferred to a second computer, even if I am the

> owner of that second computer. (Correct?)

>

> What would I have to do to make Windows 'legal' on the new computer. I

> suppose I could run out to the store and buy a copy of Windows XP to use its

> license key - but is there a better (as in less expensive) way?

>

> (I believe I have the same question regarding my OEM copy of Office.)

>

> Thanks for your help.

>

> Daddy

>

March 19, 2008

Re: Transfer OEM Windows to a New PC

"Daddy" <daddy@news.invalid> wrote in message

news:MJadnXo3LOLG733anZ2dnUVZ_ournZ2d@comcast.com...

I'd like to buy a new computer (to get up-to-date hardware) and transfer my

current software to the new computer, in effect replacing the contents of

the new computer's hard disk with the contents of my current hard disk. Yes,

I know there will be driver issues and I'm prepared to deal with them.

What I have is a legal question: I understand that my OEM copy of Windows XP

is not allowed to be transferred to a second computer, even if I am the

owner of that second computer. (Correct?)

What would I have to do to make Windows 'legal' on the new computer. I

suppose I could run out to the store and buy a copy of Windows XP to use its

license key - but is there a better (as in less expensive) way?

(I believe I have the same question regarding my OEM copy of Office.)

Thanks for your help.

Daddy

If you really want to be legal then just purchase an OEM copy of Windows XP

of the same version you currently have and change your current product key

to the newly purchased one. Your problems will be trying to transfer

anything from your current machine to the new one with the exception of any

data files. You can't transfer or copy a program, they have to be

installed.

March 19, 2008

Re: Transfer OEM Windows to a New PC

You can move the image and then try a repair install with the retail cd and

product key and if that works you can change the key that way. Imaging to

different hardware is going to most likely require a repair install anyway.

The service pack level on the drive and the service pack level of the retail

cd would have to agree for sure as would the edition (Pro and Pro or Home

and Home) but I don't remember if anything else would have to or if the

whole thing would fail at the beginning because of some OEM issue.

But why do you have to image in the first place? Why not use the Files and

Settings Transfer wizard in XP to capture the files and settings to

intermediate storage, install the retail XP on the new computer, install

your apps on the new computer, and then restore the files and settings? You

are bound to get a cleaner installation that way anyway.

"Daddy" <daddy@news.invalid> wrote in message

news:n9GdnZW9ory0GX3anZ2dnUVZ_jOdnZ2d@comcast.com...

Thank you, Carey and Colin.

So what you're saying, Colin, if I understood you correctly, is that I

cannot replace the OEM license key I have now with a retail license key. In

other words: I cannot legally move an image of my current hard disk to the

hard disk of a new computer. I was hoping that Microsoft would permit this,

in exchange for the license fee to which they are (rightfully) due.

Daddy

"Colin Barnhorst" <c.barnhorst@comcast.net> wrote in message

news:A6F37F80-BE40-46FF-9E2E-C382BC12D92E@microsoft.com...

> In addition to Carey's response, a retail pk would not work unless you

> installed Windows with a retail cd. OEM and retail product keys are not

> interchangeable.

>

> "Daddy" <daddy@news.invalid> wrote in message

> news:MJadnXo3LOLG733anZ2dnUVZ_ournZ2d@comcast.com...

> I'd like to buy a new computer (to get up-to-date hardware) and transfer

> my

> current software to the new computer, in effect replacing the contents of

> the new computer's hard disk with the contents of my current hard disk.

> Yes,

> I know there will be driver issues and I'm prepared to deal with them.

>

> What I have is a legal question: I understand that my OEM copy of Windows

> XP

> is not allowed to be transferred to a second computer, even if I am the

> owner of that second computer. (Correct?)

>

> What would I have to do to make Windows 'legal' on the new computer. I

> suppose I could run out to the store and buy a copy of Windows XP to use

> its

> license key - but is there a better (as in less expensive) way?

>

> (I believe I have the same question regarding my OEM copy of Office.)

>

> Thanks for your help.

>

> Daddy

>

March 19, 2008

Re: Transfer OEM Windows to a New PC

"Daddy" <daddy@news.invalid> wrote:

>I'd like to buy a new computer (to get up-to-date hardware) and transfer my current software to the new computer, in effect replacing the contents of the new computer's hard disk with the contents of my current hard disk. Yes, I know there will be driver issues and I'm prepared to deal with them.

>

>What I have is a legal question: I understand that my OEM copy of Windows XP is not allowed to be transferred to a second computer, even if I am the owner of that second computer. (Correct?)

>

>What would I have to do to make Windows 'legal' on the new computer. I suppose I could run out to the store and buy a copy of Windows XP to use its license key - but is there a better (as in less expensive) way?

>

>(I believe I have the same question regarding my OEM copy of Office.)

>

>Thanks for your help.

>

>Daddy

Your best solution would be to purchase another OEM license for

Windows XP. Copy your existing Windows XP hard drive to the new

computer's hard disk and then change the product key on the new

computer to the newly purchased OEM one.

It has to be an OEM license because the product key for a retail

version of Windows will not work with an installed OEM version.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada

--

Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2008)

On-Line Help Computer Service

http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference

has never been in bed with a mosquito."

March 19, 2008

Re: Transfer OEM Windows to a New PC

Thanks again for the helpful information.

If it were only a matter of Windows and Office, I would be happy enough with the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. But I've got a lots of software with lots of settings... I was just hoping to restore a disk image and in a matter of minutes (and after installing drivers as needed) be back in the saddle.

But life is rarely that simple, right? Do I want to spend the money to buy a new OEM version of Windows XP Home and a new OEM version of Office XP (if I can even find one) when a new computer comes with XP already installed and a newer version of Office for about the same (or less) than I'll pay for my old version...ah heck, you can't fight the system. ;-)

Daddy

"Ron Martell" <ron.martell@gmail.com> wrote in message news:4r71u39lsv5p4lkm6e7n4glnpg6d21rj6p@4ax.com...

> "Daddy" <daddy@news.invalid> wrote:

>

>>I'd like to buy a new computer (to get up-to-date hardware) and transfer my current software to the new computer, in effect replacing the contents of the new computer's hard disk with the contents of my current hard disk. Yes, I know there will be driver issues and I'm prepared to deal with them.

>>

>>What I have is a legal question: I understand that my OEM copy of Windows XP is not allowed to be transferred to a second computer, even if I am the owner of that second computer. (Correct?)

>>

>>What would I have to do to make Windows 'legal' on the new computer. I suppose I could run out to the store and buy a copy of Windows XP to use its license key - but is there a better (as in less expensive) way?

>>

>>(I believe I have the same question regarding my OEM copy of Office.)

>>

>>Thanks for your help.

>>

>>Daddy

>

> Your best solution would be to purchase another OEM license for

> Windows XP. Copy your existing Windows XP hard drive to the new

> computer's hard disk and then change the product key on the new

> computer to the newly purchased OEM one.

>

> It has to be an OEM license because the product key for a retail

> version of Windows will not work with an installed OEM version.

>

> Good luck

>

> Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada

> --

> Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2008)

> On-Line Help Computer Service

> http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

>

> "Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference

> has never been in bed with a mosquito."

>

March 20, 2008

Re: Transfer OEM Windows to a New PC

Daddy wrote:

> I'd like to buy a new computer (to get up-to-date hardware) and transfer my current software to the new computer, in effect replacing the contents of the new computer's hard disk with the contents of my current hard disk. Yes, I know there will be driver issues and I'm prepared to deal with them.

>

It's more than just "driver issues."

> What I have is a legal question: I understand that my OEM copy of Windows XP is not allowed to be transferred to a second computer, even if I am the owner of that second computer. (Correct?)

>

Correct. An OEM version must be sold with a piece of hardware

(normally a motherboard or hard rive, if not an entire PC) and is

_permanently_ bound to the first PC on which it's installed. An OEM

license, once installed, is not legally transferable to another computer

under _any_ circumstances.

> What would I have to do to make Windows 'legal' on the new computer.

You'll have to purchase a new WinXP license to go with the new computer.

> I suppose I could run out to the store and buy a copy of Windows XP to use its license key - but is there a better (as in less expensive) way?

>

You won't be able to use the new retail Product Key work with an OEM

installation.

> (I believe I have the same question regarding my OEM copy of Office.)

>

And the answer remains the same, as well.

--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:

http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary

safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has

killed a great many philosophers.

~ Denis Diderot

March 20, 2008

Re: Transfer OEM Windows to a New PC

Thank you, Bruce, and as a follow-up to the newsgroup:

For better or worse, Windows Vista is the future and it will be the focus of all new development. So if I'm going to buy a new computer, it might as well be a Vista machine. I only have one computer at home. No point in clinging to the past. That's my feeling, anyway. I realize that other people may have different opinions.

Thanks again for all the advice I have received.

Daddy

"Bruce Chambers" <bchambers@cable0ne.n3t> wrote in message news:e1fWfsiiIHA.4376@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

> Daddy wrote:

>> I'd like to buy a new computer (to get up-to-date hardware) and transfer my current software to the new computer, in effect replacing the contents of the new computer's hard disk with the contents of my current hard disk. Yes, I know there will be driver issues and I'm prepared to deal with them.

>>

>

> It's more than just "driver issues."

>

>> What I have is a legal question: I understand that my OEM copy of Windows XP is not allowed to be transferred to a second computer, even if I am the owner of that second computer. (Correct?)

>>

>

> Correct. An OEM version must be sold with a piece of hardware

> (normally a motherboard or hard rive, if not an entire PC) and is

> _permanently_ bound to the first PC on which it's installed. An OEM

> license, once installed, is not legally transferable to another computer

> under _any_ circumstances.

>

>> What would I have to do to make Windows 'legal' on the new computer.

>

> You'll have to purchase a new WinXP license to go with the new computer.

>

>> I suppose I could run out to the store and buy a copy of Windows XP to use its license key - but is there a better (as in less expensive) way?

>>

>

> You won't be able to use the new retail Product Key work with an OEM

> installation.

>

>> (I believe I have the same question regarding my OEM copy of Office.)

>>

>

> And the answer remains the same, as well.

>

> --

>

> Bruce Chambers

>

> Help us help you:

> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

>

> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

>

> They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary

> safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

>

> Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

>

> The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has

> killed a great many philosophers.

> ~ Denis Diderot

>

March 20, 2008

Re: Transfer OEM Windows to a New PC

OEM generic or retail aside, the only image I would consider restoring on a

new PC having different hardware would be one with no 3rd party drivers

added. That is, one you would see right after installing XP, then imaged.

The restoration of the image followed by an XP repair install.

I prefer XP OEM generic, and Office retail.

--

Dave

My vote in this primary was for the lesser

of many evils...

"Daddy" <daddy@news.invalid> wrote in message

news:wvydnc1ChsTSNn3anZ2dnUVZ_tqtnZ2d@comcast.com...

Thanks again for the helpful information.

If it were only a matter of Windows and Office, I would be happy enough with

the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. But I've got a lots of software with

lots of settings... I was just hoping to restore a disk image and in a

matter of minutes (and after installing drivers as needed) be back in the

saddle.

But life is rarely that simple, right? Do I want to spend the money to buy a

new OEM version of Windows XP Home and a new OEM version of Office XP (if I

can even find one) when a new computer comes with XP already installed and a

newer version of Office for about the same (or less) than I'll pay for my

old version...ah heck, you can't fight the system. ;-)

Daddy

"Ron Martell" <ron.martell@gmail.com> wrote in message

news:4r71u39lsv5p4lkm6e7n4glnpg6d21rj6p@4ax.com...

> "Daddy" <daddy@news.invalid> wrote:

>

>>I'd like to buy a new computer (to get up-to-date hardware) and transfer

>>my current software to the new computer, in effect replacing the contents

>>of the new computer's hard disk with the contents of my current hard disk.

>>Yes, I know there will be driver issues and I'm prepared to deal with

>>them.

>>

>>What I have is a legal question: I understand that my OEM copy of Windows

>>XP is not allowed to be transferred to a second computer, even if I am the

>>owner of that second computer. (Correct?)

>>

>>What would I have to do to make Windows 'legal' on the new computer. I

>>suppose I could run out to the store and buy a copy of Windows XP to use

>>its license key - but is there a better (as in less expensive) way?

>>

>>(I believe I have the same question regarding my OEM copy of Office.)

>>

>>Thanks for your help.

>>

>>Daddy

>

> Your best solution would be to purchase another OEM license for

> Windows XP. Copy your existing Windows XP hard drive to the new

> computer's hard disk and then change the product key on the new

> computer to the newly purchased OEM one.

>

> It has to be an OEM license because the product key for a retail

> version of Windows will not work with an installed OEM version.

>

> Good luck

>

> Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada

> --

> Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2008)

> On-Line Help Computer Service

> http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

>

> "Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference

> has never been in bed with a mosquito."

>

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