My HP laptop running Windows XP is dying (not because of any HD failure). I’m a database programmer w/o a deep knowledge of operating systems. Can I buy a compatible computer and install the hard drive from the dying one as the boot/registry drive on the new one, thereby obviating the need to reinstall all my existing software. For most of my programs, this would just save me lots and lots of time. But I also have legacy software installed – the disks are long gone – which I keep around in case an old client needs help. I wouldn’t think the software manufacturers would care – I’d still be using their products on only one computer – but when I asked a friend, he thought there was a motherboard serial number that was checked to prevent exactly what I want to do. Does anybody know about this? If true, is there an entry in the registry that can be changed so it will look to the new motherboard? Or is there any other workaround?
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Can Comp1 HD be used as boot/registry HD on Comp2
- Thread starter rpochoda
- Start date
There is an official way and an nonofficial way:
The official:
How to replace the motherboard on a computer that is running Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, or Windows 2000
The nonofficial:
faq602-6735
Problematic may be the licensing issues, e.g. OEM versus Retail, depending on where in the world one is located at, as local laws apply...
OEM in general does not allow a transfer from one PC to another, read the the "More Information" section on the MS link for clarification...
RETAIL does not have this limitation, you can transfer this OS without problems legally wise...
Ben
"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.
Only ask questions with yes/no answers if you want "yes" or "no"
The official:
How to replace the motherboard on a computer that is running Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, or Windows 2000
The nonofficial:
faq602-6735
Problematic may be the licensing issues, e.g. OEM versus Retail, depending on where in the world one is located at, as local laws apply...
OEM in general does not allow a transfer from one PC to another, read the the "More Information" section on the MS link for clarification...
RETAIL does not have this limitation, you can transfer this OS without problems legally wise...
Ben
"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.
Only ask questions with yes/no answers if you want "yes" or "no"
goombawaho
MIS
Yeah, basically, when you buy a PC with windows on it (OEM version), that license of windows has to "die" with that computer. And "computer" is defined essentially as the motherboard of the computer.
In other words, you could change hard drives, network cards, sound cards, video cards, etc. and that would still be the "same" computer, but if you change the motherboard for any reason other than a motherboard failure, it ceases to be the same computer and thus your license is dead.
A retail license of XP/Vista does not have this restriction and the only restriction is to be installed on only one pc at a time.
Now, do you care about Microsoft's rules if it can TECHNICALLY be done - That is another question entirely.
In other words, you could change hard drives, network cards, sound cards, video cards, etc. and that would still be the "same" computer, but if you change the motherboard for any reason other than a motherboard failure, it ceases to be the same computer and thus your license is dead.
A retail license of XP/Vista does not have this restriction and the only restriction is to be installed on only one pc at a time.
Now, do you care about Microsoft's rules if it can TECHNICALLY be done - That is another question entirely.
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