[jrx10]

There are lots of used computers for sale on-line with XP OS's, but most don't have the original OEM XP disks with them. (XP preinstalled--No disk). I'm not too keen on buying a used box and not being able to install the OS myself to verify a ""clean install. Assuming that the XP OS is legit on the used computer, Is it acceptable (legal) to use my XP pro retail disk ( OS is installed on another of my computers) to reinstall the XP OS on the used box, & use the key from the XP OEM OS on the used computer's HD. If ok, I've got extra HDs so I would replace the used boxes HD and keep the original HD as BU, at least until Genuine Advantage was certified by M$. Thx

[DotHQ]

Nope, absolutely not okay.

Linux is a cool option though.

[jrx10]

Nope, absolutely not okay.

Ok, thx. I could save about 75 bucks, by buying a used box (with xp-pro) on-line vs buying virtually the same used box locally, but the local computer has the OEM XP-pro Windows disk with it, and the one on-line doesn't. I learned my lesson about 6 years ago by buying a used computer on-line, "OS pre-installed/no disk", and it was a nightmare to clean up. Interesting, the computer on-line says the OS was reinstalled clean by using COA & serial number that was on the side of the computer.

[avisitor]

You may very well be able to get the disks from the manufacturer for about $20

[pedroguy]

Depending on the manufacturer(mine is HP/Compac no dsic),it may have a restore partition,which is basically the OS and all the original software,allowing you to re-install/restore if needed.
You can then create your own restore discs from that partition.I think that most pc's today will not afford you the luxury of coming with the os disc.

[padutch]

Originally Posted by jrx10

There are lots of used computers for sale on-line with XP OS's, but most don't have the original OEM XP disks with them. (XP preinstalled--No disk). I'm not too keen on buying a used box and not being able to install the OS myself to verify a ""clean install. Assuming that the XP OS is legit on the used computer, Is it acceptable (legal) to use my XP pro retail disk ( OS is installed on another of my computers) to reinstall the XP OS on the used box, & use the key from the XP OEM OS on the used computer's HD. If ok, I've got extra HDs so I would replace the used boxes HD and keep the original HD as BU, at least until Genuine Advantage was certified by M$. Thx

as far as legal , yes it would be . If you use the key from the box that you are installing in you should have no problem .

[bbearren]

Originally Posted by padutch

as far as legal , yes it would be . If you use the key from the box that you are installing in you should have no problem .

A retail installation will not accept an OEM COA, and vice versa. If you can borrow an OEM disk from a friend, you can use your COA and it will work.

You'll need to download drivers specific to your model in order for everything to work properly.

[padutch]

Originally Posted by bbearren

A retail installation will not accept an OEM COA, and vice versa. If you can borrow an OEM disk from a friend, you can use your COA and it will work.

You'll need to download drivers specific to your model in order for everything to work properly.

bbearren , you are right , I missed the OEM in his post . I have a small free program that will search your computer and save all drivers so you can put them on a disk . I will look for it

[padutch]

http://drivers.softpedia.com/progDow...oad-18225.html
is the link to double driver . free program to view and make a backup of all your drivers on your computer . Just make a backup , save to a disk for the future

[jrx10]

A retail installation will not accept an OEM COA, and vice versa. If you can borrow an OEM disk from a friend, you can use your COA and it will work.

Ok, so I gather that it's OEM to OEM --- of the same brand/manufacturer is ok & all that's needed is the key from the XP on the HD......and it's the same for retail versions of XP. Just out curiosity, how can you tell if the XP installed on a HD is an OEM or a retail version? thx

[edhicks]

After reading the article in this link, you may be able to
accomplish what you want.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2325399,00.asp

Good luck keep us posted to any developments

[bbearren]

Originally Posted by jrx10

Ok, so I gather that it's OEM to OEM --- of the same brand/manufacturer is ok & all that's needed is the key from the XP on the HD......and it's the same for retail versions of XP. Just out curiosity, how can you tell if the XP installed on a HD is an OEM or a retail version? thx

The Product Code will have "OEM" in the middle. If the machine was bought from a store originally, it's OEM.