General Computer Questions

[mccoady]

If I understand right I can transfer a retail XP license from one computer to another is there any special procedure to do this?

Can I move an ethernet card from a non-working computer to a working one are these all compatible regardless of computer specs? Thanks!

[lowellriggsiam]

Since ethernet cards are usially pci that shouldn't be an issue. As far as windows XP goes I installed it on two different computers without issue.

[mccoady]

If I don't have the CD-Rom for the ethernet card should XP find the drivers on it's own?

[aedipuss]

they usually have the make and model number on them. you can find the drivers that way and download them ahead of time. but if it's a fairly common older card xp may have a driver.

[jman98]

If I understand right I can transfer a retail XP license from one computer to another is there any special procedure to do this?

There's no procedure to do this. Be prepared that since Microsoft will have records that the original license was activated in the past that most likely you'll have to call them and get them to activate it for you after you try to use it again.

[mccoady]

they usually have the make and model number on them. you can find the drivers that way and download them ahead of time. but if it's a fairly common older card xp may have a driver.

Ok thanks!

If I understand right I can transfer a retail XP license from one computer to another is there any special procedure to do this?

There's no procedure to do this. Be prepared that since Microsoft will have records that the original license was activated in the past that most likely you'll have to call them and get them to activate it for you after you try to use it again.

I wasn't aware I might have to call Microsoft so nice to know!

[Nelson37]

Usually you get at least three before a voice call is required. This varies wildly. Just tell them the other PC is no longer in service, as long as it's a full retail version no problem.

[mccoady]

Just curious what happens if you move a hard drive with a OS installed to another computer is the license still good or is it married to the original computer/motherboard?

[Nelson37]

An OEM license, yes, it's married to the mobo. A MFR replacement or identical mobo is required. A full retail license, no, you can change any hardware you like. Activation will almost certainly be required, either way.

It may, or may not, be possible to re-activate an OEM license on different hardware. I have had it work and also had it fail. Have only had one voice request for activation refused. One. Sometimes when those manufacturers send you a replacement mobo, it is a completely different model from what you originally had. They may even authorize you to go and purchase your own.

[piano632]

I have a related question...

I can't find my original XP disc, so I just installed Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit on an older computer via a downloaded .iso file. Would anyone know about how much MicroSoft would charge for a registration key for this if I called them? I found a place online that is selling keys very cheap: - LINK REMOVED -

Posting Warez links on our site will get you banned.

'If' your DL'd version of W7 was genuine, which I doubt, Microsoft would charge you exactly the same price as if you had bought it from them.

Please read our rules before posting.

Moderator redwudz