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    We have purchased a new computer but want to continue to use Windows XP operating system.  The license was installed and activated on the old computer which is no longer in use.  We installed WinXP on the new computer and tried to activate it online, then by phone.  No luck either way. 

    Next, I tried to update the product key using the "Windows Product Key Update Tool".  Another error - "The product key entered is not a valid key for this system"

    I'm sure there is some way to be able to use WinXP on the new computer.  Please help.  Thank you!

    Thursday, September 30, 2010 7:49 PM

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    "Vickie Yaros" wrote in message news:759b0d60-b50f-4439-bdf6-bd0948cbb36a...

    We have purchased a new computer but want to continue to use Windows XP operating system.  The license was installed and activated on the old computer which is no longer in use.  We installed WinXP on the new computer and tried to activate it online, then by phone.  No luck either way. 

    Next, I tried to update the product key using the "Windows Product Key Update Tool".  Another error - "The product key entered is not a valid key for this system"

    I'm sure there is some way to be able to use WinXP on the new computer.  Please help.  Thank you!


    If your copy of XP came pre-installed on the old computer, then it cannot be transferred to the new one.
    OEM licenses live and die with the computer on which they are first installed and cannot be moved in the same way that Retail licenses can.
     
    If your install is from a Retail license, then you will need to telephone activate your new install - when you do so, do NOT respond when the automated system asks you which service you require. This should force an operator to pick up, who can deal with your problem.

    --

    Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth
    Thursday, September 30, 2010 8:37 PM
    Moderator

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    "Vickie Yaros" wrote in message news:759b0d60-b50f-4439-bdf6-bd0948cbb36a...

    We have purchased a new computer but want to continue to use Windows XP operating system.  The license was installed and activated on the old computer which is no longer in use.  We installed WinXP on the new computer and tried to activate it online, then by phone.  No luck either way. 

    Next, I tried to update the product key using the "Windows Product Key Update Tool".  Another error - "The product key entered is not a valid key for this system"

    I'm sure there is some way to be able to use WinXP on the new computer.  Please help.  Thank you!


    If your copy of XP came pre-installed on the old computer, then it cannot be transferred to the new one.
    OEM licenses live and die with the computer on which they are first installed and cannot be moved in the same way that Retail licenses can.
     
    If your install is from a Retail license, then you will need to telephone activate your new install - when you do so, do NOT respond when the automated system asks you which service you require. This should force an operator to pick up, who can deal with your problem.

    --

    Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth
    Thursday, September 30, 2010 8:37 PM
    Moderator
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    Ah-ha!  I didn't know that about OEM licensing.  I will try the telephone activation again, NOT responding when the automated system asks which service I require.   Thank you very much!
    Thursday, September 30, 2010 9:00 PM
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    Hello Vickie Yaros,

    Noel is of course correct, if your old computer came with XP preinstalled (aka OEM license), then the End User Licensing Agreement does not allow you to move that old license to any other computer.

    But you might be able to work it from the other end.....

    If your new computer came with a preinstalled (aka OEM) license for Windows 7 Professional or Windows 7 Ultimate, these licenses also allow for what are called "downgrade rights" that allow you to run the business edition of a previous OS, such as Windows Vista Business or Windows XP Professional.  If that applies to your situation, contact the computer manufacturer to request installation media so you can install Vista Biz or XP Pro.

    OTOH if the new computer came with W7 Home Premium or Starter, then there are no downgrade rights confered with HP or Starter, so the above would not apply.

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    Friday, October 1, 2010 2:42 AM