I have an old Dell computer which had Windows XP Home installed.I have the Windows disk which has SP1.I would like to purchase all new components and case for a new build not using Dell, but need to know if I can install the Windows Home edition that was with the old computer and download it as my OS? I still have the key. All new components will be coming from Newegg with Intel Proc. and Asus MoBo.Will there be any conflicts doing this? Thanks

Hi Survivor,

If you have activated XP with Microsoft (which you likely did) you will need to call them and explain the situation then they can unlock the license key so that you can activate it again on the new computer.

If you read the Microsoft Windows legal fine print you will find that you buy Windows for that computer only. If the computer dies (or you replace a few components) then technically the license you purchased dies too. You did not purchase Windows, but rather a "Right To Use Windows on one computer".

There should be no problems if Microsoft lets you re-activate, but I suggest you download all required drivers (for your new parts) and save them to a USB drive or CD before you start installing XP on the new computer.
That way you will not be stuck with for example missing network drivers which you cannot download because you don't have internet access.

Good luck.

ronald.

Short answer - No. Dell is very finicky. If the Dell Install CD doesn't find Dell components, it won't go.

There may be work-arounds on this that I'm not yet aware of, but from what I know of the Dell setups, it won't go. The Dell Install CD's have a software signature so the Install won't work on another machine, which is in fact what yours would be with all new components.

You'd most likely have to purchase a retail XP CD. An Upgrade CD would work if you have a previous Windows CD to prove eligibility to use an Upgrade CD. (ie; Win95, Win98, etc)

Dan is correct - if you have a Restore CD that will likely not work.

However, survivor said that he//she has the "Windows disk with SP1". I assumed that that is an original Microsoft Windows XP CD.

Survivor, please clarify.
Do you have a Microsoft Windows XP disc, or a Dell Restore disc (or both)?

ronald.

I took this to mean the CD in question. So yes, please clarify.