I have XP on one computer, i sell that computer, but before i do, i take XP off of it and install either 98SE, or 2K Pro, keeping my XP disk etc. Anyone got any idea M$ take on this? Allowed, not allowed, etc? Just curious as i'm gettin ready to sell one of my comps so i can build a new one.
Here, surfaces my biggest complaint with Product Activation. They have taken it upon themselves to tie the OS to the hardware instead of the individual.
I think if you had a retail copy of XP they'd almost have to reactivate for you though if you got a new PC. The above couldn't possibly apply. There's no way they'd get away with that.
Of course to be legal, after installing your retail copy of Win98 SE on the computer you're selling you'd have to give the person who purchased it the original CD, license and any documentation. As far as I know, it's still acceptable to do that. MS may not like it, but tough titties for them.
>Sure, i'll "surrender " it to them, just as soon as they >give me back my money.
Section 4 of the EULA (End User License Agreement):
4. TRANSFER-Internal. You may move the Product to a different Workstation Computer. After the transfer, you must completely remove the Product from the former Workstation Computer. Transfer to Third Party. The initial user of the Product may make a one-time transfer of the Product to another end user. The transfer has to include all component parts, media, printed materials, this EULA, and if applicable, the Certificate of Authenticity. The transfer may not be an indirect transfer, such as a consignment. Prior to the transfer, the end user receiving the transferred Product must agree to all the EULA terms. No Rental. You may not rent, lease, lend or provide commercial hosting services to third parties with the Product.
In other words, you may sell it and you must remove it from your system. The buying party then assumes all resposiblity for Activation.
It's early for me. Up all night working on my AS/400 system recompiling the Data Base.
Then all you have to do is install and reactivate. Will likely be a phone call. Every post I've seen on other forums say it takes less than 5 minutes and no questions were asked.
It is a retail version of XP, and as far as giving the person i sell the comp to the disk and such with 98SE, that's no problem. I'm sitting on hold to M$ now to get their take on the subject.
This is allowed if you can convince MS that you did in fact remove the OS from the old machine. Also if it has been 120 days since you activated XP, you may not have any probems in using it with another machine.
I put XP on one machine, then decided to take it off that machine. I then put XP on my other machine, a 1-800 Microsoft number comes up because XP had been activated on the other machine. I call the MS 1-800 number , tell them what I did and they gave me a new activation number, no problem , they were very courteous.
Just got off the phone with M$. First time i've ever called their support, and i must say i'm pleasently surprised. Their response time was less then 10 minutes, and were very courteous and helpful. Their take is as long as i have removed XP from the other comp, no problem as long as i keep all product components of XP, ie: disk, booklet, etc. They will ask for some number that is on the CD, and of course the Key #, that's it.
I did almost exactly what you are planning, it took me like 4 or 5 minutes on the phone, they didn't ask me many questions, they were quite helpful and give me a new set of activation code numbers, contrary to some legends it was quite easy to do.
Yes, it's good to be able to say something nice about M$ as all you generaly hear is negatives about them. I'm still not crazy about the whole activation scheme, but it certainly isn't the nightmare it's been made out to be. Heck, i'm not even that enamored with XP anyway, i'm a huge fan of Win 2K Pro.
