Installing XP on a used PC

[CSULB71]

If I buy a used computer that has no operating system installed, but does have the license/product key for XP that used to be installed on it, can I use my XP CD (retail "upgrade" with SP2) to install the O/S and then "activate" the system with Microsoft by using the used PC's license/product key?

[joecass]

if all you have is the upgrade CD, I would think not..... if the used computer had some kind of O.S., like Win 95 or Win 98 already installled, then I think you could use the upgrade CD legitimately...
I'm not exactly sure what you're saying, is it a used computer that has been "de-branded" ? I would think you need a full install Win XP CD with
it's own license key to activate it

[CSULB71]

There are several HP Pavilion PC's on eBay that I'm considering buying for my granddaughter, and some of the auctions say "no O/S included" and "license key included". I assume this means the HDD has been wiped clean, and the license/product key number appears to be on a sticker on the side of the case.
When I "upgraded" from Win98 to XP on my current PC, I installed the O/S onto a new blank HDD, and all I had to do was enter my old Win98 product key number (I still have my Win98 install CD) at the appropriate time and the install proceeded as a complete fresh install. So I am hoping I could do the same thing on the HP PC, but when it asks for the XP product key during install, I'd use the HP's product key. Of course I'd also have to use the HP's product key when I "activate" the system with Microsoft sometime within the 30-day window before the O/S stops working.
Hopefully this makes sense.

[MOVIEGEEK]

Do not buy used PC's unless you buy(or have) a new OS CD,old product keys will NOT work with new OS CD's.
If you must buy an old PC then buy from a reputible place that sells refurbished PC's,they will include a OS CD.

[dun4cheap]

That information is not exactly true.

[MOVIEGEEK]

I've been reading horror stories from people who bought a used PC on eBay and finding out the OS is pirated,MS will refuse to activate and validate.
I'll bet you can find a retailer that sells refurbished PC's in the Yellow Pages,most have a return policy and they are licensed Microsoft dealers.

[Supreme2k]

It's still risky, but make sure that the license is on a license sticker (preferably on the machine), rather than written on a ripped piece of loose-leaf. You should be good to go then.

At least with a Genuine sticker, you can call MS if there is any problem. They may even re-issue you a new number.

[yoda313]

Of course lots of people here would always say you can switch to LINUX.

Unless this is going to be a main computer and you have must have windows only apps linux would be a good alternative.

[Number Six]

From what I understand, the license sticker is supposed to stay with the computer that it is installed on since that license is only valid for one machine - it is not allowed to use the same license number to install the OS on multiple computers. When the computer is sold or transferred to another person, the license is transferred as well - the original owner relinquishes all rights to it.

Now here is where it gets sticky - most major manufacturer licenses will only will work with discs from that manufacturer, so if you try to use a Dell or HP key with a retail disc, it may fail to accept it during installation.

EDIT:

Here is another thought - you might be able to purchase the restore discs for the specific computer that you buy directly from the manufacturer, and the cost is usually very cheap ( generally under $25 complete with shipping ). Just go to the manufacturers support web page and see if they are available - if they are, then you can order them when you get the computer - you will have to supply the computer's serial number to order the discs.

[wtsinnc]

Anecdotally, I've read that it can go both ways and I've never fully understood the parameters of what unconditionally constitutes valid licensing in situations like this.

Why not just call Microsoft, explain the situation, and see if you are in the clear ?

[lacywest]

There is an answer to your problem and will only take only a little over an hour to do it ... I had similar problem ... except I cant find my HP-Compaq WinXP Home Edition CD ... I looked all over my house and couldn't find it.

I did a search on the Internet and found the solution ... I was back to installing WIN XP on my HP machines in no time at all ... check the message I left you in your PM messages.

I've bought a lot of HP machines from Ebay ... I have no problem finding the drivers ... just go to HP website. They are there if you know the model number.

The HP Home Edition XP disk I had was for my HP laptop ... I made extra copies but I cannot find them either ... I do have a friend who has his copy for his HP laptop ... I sold it to him ... but after calling him and letting him know I needed it ... I found the solution on the Internet. I was up and running inside 2 hours.

[joecass]

I would guess you'd have to install Win 98 on the debranded PC, then use your XP CD and that O.S. license key to upgrade. I don't think the original license key will work without restore discs from HP.
Even if your scheme were to work, you'd still be missing all the drivers and software that were originally installed on the machine, in which case it may not be worth the effort of buying it just to save a few bucks. I'm familiar with that EBay site, I'd prefer shopping for a refurb HP or Dell
on sites like Computer Geeks or Tiger Direct..... at least then the computer should work right out of the box and you get a 30 to 90 day warranty.

[pepegot1]

Go to Ebay and buy it.

[lacywest]

Go to Ebay and buy it.

I did check Ebay for the install disks ... too much money ... after looking for 15 minutes on the Internet ... I found the solution ... I did not have to buy it.

[CSULB71]

joecass: To use the XP "upgrade" CD, the PC doesn't need to have Win98 installed, all you have to do is enter the product key from the Win98 install CD and XP will load just like a complete fresh install. I did this on my own PC with a new blank HDD without installing Win98 first just to "upgrade". And I don't care about any "original" software or drivers the used HP PC might have had, since I'd install the ones I want. Besides, I'm pretty sure the HDD on the used PC is wiped clean, so it's a moot point.

lacywest: Thanks for the suggestions, but I don't have any bit torrent software, and don't think I'd want to try that approach. From what I understand, without a valid product key and activation of the system with Microsoft, I won't be able to get any O/S updates.

I'm open to buying a set of restore disks from HP's website, if that's what it would take. But, does XP have to be installed on the PC first, before the restore disks can be used? If so, aren't I back to square one -- how do I legally install XP on a used, OEM HP PC with a wiped HDD (without buying a retail full-version XP CD)? Or can't I?? If not, I guess I'll just have look for a used PC that has the O/S installed and also has the original XP CD.

[joecass]

The purpose of the restore discs is just that..... to restore the PC to it's original condition with O.S. and installed software. You won't have to use anything else. XP license verification should be automatic. If you don't want to buy the restore discs, then you need a fresh copy of Win XP with a valid license key. Or use the original method of installing Win 98 and using the upgrade XP CD. Then you'd have to download all the correct drivers from the HP website for that particular model.

[CSULB71]

I think/hope I got the right answer from HP Tech Support: give them the model number of whatever used HP PC I might buy that doesn't have an O/S loaded, and they'll send me a set of "correct" restore discs for $5.99 to cover shipping & handling. Then I should be able to install XP just like a fresh install. My misconception (from what I'd heard ) was that I would have to have XP already installed (even tho it might be corrupted/non-bootable, but still "there") to be able to "restore" it using the restore discs. So, thanks joecass and Number Six for confirming what HP said. Looks like the way to go, if needed -- glad to learn that it shouldn't be any more complicated than that.

[lacywest]

joecass: To use the XP "upgrade" CD, the PC doesn't need to have Win98 installed, all you have to do is enter the product key from the Win98 install CD and XP will load just like a complete fresh install. I did this on my own PC with a new blank HDD without installing Win98 first just to "upgrade". And I don't care about any "original" software or drivers the used HP PC might have had, since I'd install the ones I want. Besides, I'm pretty sure the HDD on the used PC is wiped clean, so it's a moot point.

lacywest: Thanks for the suggestions, but I don't have any bit torrent software, and don't think I'd want to try that approach. From what I understand, without a valid product key and activation of the system with Microsoft, I won't be able to get any O/S updates.

I'm open to buying a set of restore disks from HP's website, if that's what it would take. But, does XP have to be installed on the PC first, before the restore disks can be used? If so, aren't I back to square one -- how do I legally install XP on a used, OEM HP PC with a wiped HDD (without buying a retail full-version XP CD)? Or can't I?? If not, I guess I'll just have look for a used PC that has the O/S installed and also has the original XP CD.

If you have a HP WinXP Home Edition CD disk ... it will install on a blank hard drive that is in a HP desktop or laptop.

Another idea ... if you know someone who has a HP Desktop or Laptop and it came out before Vista was being put on everything ... talk to this person and see if they still have the HP WinXP disk .... you can use it ... and make a copy of it .... this info also applies to Dell machines to ... I know because I've done it.

And if your not careful it will reformat the drive and reinstall Win XP all over again if WinXP is already installed on it.

You put the HP WinXP disk in your CD or DVD drive and reboot and push the correct button to boot to your CDROM drive ... follow the instructions .... that are displayed and it will install a fresh install of WinXP Home Edition and because the HP WinXP Home Edition disk is from HP it will work on a HP Desktop.

There will be not any messages about activating or registering ... go to Microsoft updates webpage and starting updating all the stuff you want to update ... this method is fool proof ... it is real ... I would not post this and what I said in the PM message if it was bull shit.

I have given you the solution and it truly works and will not cost you a dime ... just the time spent downloading the ISO file and burning the image to a blank CD.

I've already built one HP Desktop using the info I gave you ... and it works so well and I'm so happy with what I've installed on the PC that I'm going to clone the drive and just use it for building my HP desktop. That way I dont have to spend extra time reinstalling everything on the next HP PC I'm going to prepare to build.

[Number Six]

CSULB71 Quote - I got the right answer from HP Tech Support: give them the model number of whatever used HP PC I might buy that doesn't have an O/S loaded, and they'll send me a set of "correct" restore discs for $5.99 to cover shipping & handling.

Getting all the original software, drivers, and OS - $5.99

A little time to download the MS Service Packs - FREE

Using absolutely 100% completely LEGAL software with rights to upgrades and support - PRICELESS 8)

[CSULB71]

lacywest: No, I don't have, nor have access to, a HP WinXP CD -- if I did I wouldn't have started the topic in the first place.

You said: "I have given you the solution and it truly works..."
I have two questions:
1. Is your solution LEGAL?
2. Once installed your way (with no activation, etc), how does Microsoft recognize the PC & O/S as "genuine", thereby allowing Windows updates be downloaded?

[lacywest]

lacywest: No, I don't have, nor have access to, a HP WinXP CD -- if I did I wouldn't have started the topic in the first place.

You said: "I have given you the solution and it truly works..."
I have two questions:
1. Is your solution LEGAL?
2. Once installed your way (with no activation, etc), how does Microsoft recognize the PC & O/S as "genuine", thereby allowing Windows updates be downloaded?

Question 1 ... not sure
Question 2 ... HP has files [unknown hidden files ... most likely] on the HP WinXP CD that will be recognized by the mother board that is designed to work with HP PCs ... this is the same approach that Dell uses.

I have several Dell GX280 PCs and Inspiron 5150 laptops ... Inspiron 2200 laptops ... and one Inspiron B130 laptop and one Inspiron 1520 laptop ... the same CD whether it is the Professional version or the Home Edition version ... can be used to install WIN XP ... on my Dell machines. I have several original Dell CDs ... Green ones are the Professional install and the Blue ones will install the Home Edition.

The Win XP Home Edition CD for HP and or Compaq machines is white with black background and black and white lettering. It actually says on the CD it is for HP or Compaq PCs only.

As for HP machines ... I have assorted HP desktops and a HP Pavilion ze2308wm Notebook [which I bought at Walmart Black Friday 2005 for $378] ... which I sold because it didn't seem to work correctly with my external USB 2.0 DVD burners.

The CDs that came with it ... included a Disk for reinstalling WIN XP Home Edition SP2 ... this same disk can be used to reinstall WIN XP Home Edition on a HP Desktop.

I sold the laptop to a co-worker ... and I made a copy of it and gave him the copy and kept the original. I then found out this disk can be used to install WIN XP on HP desktops. I at the moment can't figure out where I put it and then I did a search on the Internet and found the ISO file ... I am now back in business.

As for contacting HP and ordering the CDs from them ... should only be two actually needed one with WIN XP on it and one with the Drivers and their extra software ... they think you should have installed.

When you get them ... first things first ... burn some extra copies and put them some place where you wont forget you have them ... put one in your dresser drawer where you keep your socks and underwear.

That was the first place I looked in my bedroom ... it wasn't there

[johns0]

One problem you might face is if the person who last owned the system used the key on a new computer and told ms then theres no way you can use the key on the computer or even restore disks.And yes you can phone microsoft tell them you had to replace a motherboard and they will give you a new reactivate code.Not sure about dell or hp embedded keys,just oem and retail.

[lacywest]

One problem you might face is if the person who last owned the system used the key on a new computer and told ms then theres no way you can use the key on the computer or even restore disks.And yes you can phone microsoft tell them you had to replace a motherboard and they will give you a new reactivate code.Not sure about dell or hp embedded keys,just oem and retail.

I do have another way to install WinXP ... Pro or Home version ... but I am not going to mention how in this forum.

If I find I have no other choices and have exhausted all other methods ... I do have up on my top shelf in my computer room ... two ... not used ... Brand new ... WinXP Home Edition upgrade install disks ... which I have no problem using them ... CompUSA had them on sale a few years back for $40 bucks each ... I bought a few before they were all gone.

[Nelson37]

Not Necessary to install Win98 with the upgrade CD. Just install XP, and insert the 98 CD when prompted. As for the license issue, if you have the sticker, you have the license. The other install would be illegal, not yours. You will probably have to call MS to authorize.

The sticky point will be the version of XP the license matches, SP1 or SP2, it should say on the sticker and the install disk SP version must match the sticker license version.

[lacywest]

Not Necessary to install Win98 with the upgrade CD. Just install XP, and insert the 98 CD when prompted. As for the license issue, if you have the sticker, you have the license. The other install would be illegal, not yours. You will probably have to call MS to authorize.

The sticky point will be the version of XP the license matches, SP1 or SP2, it should say on the sticker and the install disk SP version must match the sticker license version.

Hmmm ... the HP WinXP CD I used on one of my HP PCs is the WINXP Home Edition SP3.

The sticker located on top along the front leading edge says Windows XP Professional 1-2CPU.

I've already have downloaded and installed every Update that Microsoft Update has to offer ... minus IE7 and there new Search 4.0 update ... I dont like their new update for searching windows ... I like the old one.

It has MS Office 2002 and MS Office 2007 ... all working together ... I'm selling this PC to my former supervisor at the place I did work at. No cracks were used.

As for Microsoft Outlook ... I had to choose which one to keep ... so I chose Outlook 2007 ... it has a Email Junk filter in it ... Outlook 2002 does not.