Do i have to purchase windows XP again?

Question

i have a computer that i built myself...and i bought windows Xp when i first built that computer. Now i am putting new pieces such as a motherboard, cpu and ram into it. do i have to re install windows xp on the new parts i'm putting in? if so, can i use the same serial code? or do i have to call microsoft and get a new one?.... or will windows Xp load up and run since i'm using the same internal hard drive?

thanks

Answer 1

You can use the same serial, though during activation you maybe required to call Microsoft and get a confirmation code.  Just tell them what happened and they'll give it to you.

But then again if you're using the same internal disk then you should be fine. :)

Answer 2

Use the same Serial Code, many people buy one Microsoft package and use it on 3 different Computers in their house.

Answer 3

You will definitely either need to reinstall XP or reactivate it. If you need to reinstall it, just enter the original code. Reactivating it will most likely work automatically, but you may have to talk to Microsoft. If so, simply tell them your motherboard failed and you replaced the motherboard and CPU. You will almost certainly not have a problem -- I never have and have done this several times.

As for whether you'll need to reinstall XP or not, it depends. Sometimes, XP just works, detecting the new hardware without a problem. Sometimes, XP just doesn't work, and it's not always obvious why. (A repair install of XP over the old install on the new hardware sometimes fixes it. Sometimes other odd tricks work, like installing the drivers for the new machine while the old one is still hooked up.)

If reinstalling XP is a major issue for you, there is almost always a way to get the old install to work on the new machine. This may be more effort than it's worth though. One trick that has worked for me is to make a backup of the machine using Acronis True Image (say, on an external drive), then restore the backup (onto the original drive) using Universal Restore. This allows you to add drivers to the image during the restore. Most important is to add the driver for the new motherboard's hard drive controller. (Why can't someone invent a simple tool for doing exactly this?!)

One tip: Do not reactivate XP when first asked to. Wait until you have all the drivers installed, have rebooted as many times as needed to detect new hardware, and the machine is stable. Once you are completely satisfied with the setup, reactivate.

Answer 4

yes u have to reinstall windows xp but im not sure about the serial code but the best thing to do is call microsft as you said or visit pc world.

Answer 5

The one of purchase covers you. Use same serial code. Any problems contact Microsoft. Have proof of purchase etc handy.

Answer 6

What if I upgrade my hardware?

Theoretically, upgrading a single component in your system won't reset the XP activation key. However, simultaneously upgrading your motherboard, processor, memory, and video card will probably raise a red flag, and you'll probably have to get a new key. Likewise, if you purchase an entirely new computer and install your existing copy of XP on the new machine, you'll certainly have to obtain a new key from Microsoft.

Wait - how can I get a new key? Won't Microsoft reject a request for a second key if I have different hardware? Isn't that the whole purpose of product activation?

Well, yes; the automatic, online activation will probably fail. However, you can call Microsoft using the phone number provided, explain your problem, and they'll issue you a second key (and a third, etc.).

Will Microsoft shut off product activation for XP after June?

No, that would be crazy. While no one has said this will happen, it's conceivable that Windows could shut down product activation for XP at some point. But that would only happen after XP reaches its end-of-support term (when all support plans expire). The good news for you: That happens on April 8, 2014, which should be plenty of time to get the kinks worked out of Vista-or switch to a Mac, Linux, or anything else. Bottom line: Your copy of XP will work, totally legally, for at least six more years.

Answer 7

When you install or change a large number of items of hardware windows will need to re activate. All you will need is the serial number that you origionally had. If you dont have the origional key you will need to contact microsoft and see what they say

Hope it helps

Answer 8

Yes, it will probably work just fine and activate without having to call. If you do have to call, the standard excuse is that your "motherboard burned" which though not technically true does allow you to retain ownership of the product you already purchased, which without this lie would leave you gypped. And yes, you use the same serial number.

Answer 9

as long as ur using the same hard drive, you shouldn't have any problems

Answer 10

No. If your hardware changes so much you will get a message when you try to activate it online. Just call Microsoft and explain that you upgraded your rig and they will give you a new key and will deactivate your old key. Any computer running the old key will not be able to boot into Windows shortly after the rig goes online. Just have your key ready because Microsoft will ask for it. As far as someone saying you can run 3 rigs on one OS you are only going to do that with a corporate version of XP or with a crack. If you are using a new motherboard you are definitely gonna be calling Microsoft. Don't worry, I'm in the biz and do it all the time. Tech will usually interrupt you during your explanantion and give you a key. They have been trained as one told me to "Always believe the customer" As far as if your rig booting up I doubt it will if youre using a board with a different chipset. The hard drive has the drivers for the old boards chipset and  the new chipset isn't gonna fire up with the wrong drivers. If the Northbridge doesn't fire up youre going nowhere. Althou its worth a try, of course, I'd back up my tunes, vids pics and docs first. Also put the F6 SATA drivers on a floppy and make sure you have drivers for your ethernet card so you can get online with it after you reimage the drive. XP usually puts LAN drivers in but it doesn't sometimes. Also, you will have to install the audio drivers after the OS goes in. XP wont put them in--gotta do that yourself.