Can I use my old windows license from my old computer on a new one?

Question

I am going to buy a new laptop, but don't want Windows Vista. Can I use the Windows license from my corrent computer on my new laptop?

Answer 1

No I dont think so, every licence for windows is unique to that computer, try contacting microsoft they will help you. I have always found them very helpful.Microsoft are getting tough now on windows licences, and if you did use it on another computer you would proberly find alot of microsoft products restricted, and you proberly wouldnt be able to get the microsoft updates. You would get a message windows valuation certificate licence required.

Answer 2

First of all you can't use it on both at the same time, however you can use it solely on the new computer. But this is what would happen if you wanted to do use it on your new computer.

If you tried to use your old computer's product key on your new computer you would have to call MS and have them re-authorize it. This is because with the consumer version of windows xp you are only allowed to swap 2 pieces of hardware at a time without re-activating the product key. So since you are using it for a totally different computer, that's obviously a change of more than 2 pieces of hardware (btw the same thing would happen if you had to replace your motherboard on your old computer). So yeah... you could use your old key but only on the new computer and you would have to call and have MS re-authorize the key which they will do and if they give you any grief then just tell them you had to replace your motherboard. Hope that helps.

Answer 3

YOU CAN'T
microsoft's windows licence is per 1 computer
when yr windows starts for the first time it sends to microsoft product key number+serial number of yr computer and for any subsequent re-installing both data need to be matched - that is the reason why you can re-install windows any number you want on the same computer (both product key and computer serial number always match each other during registration process) and you can't on 2 or more computers (product key is always same but computer serial number won't match original one)

Answer 4

Well legally, You cannot use the license on two computers, but if you want a technical answer, then you could use the XP license on more than one computer, and theres not really any way of them finding out or stopping you if it is just 2 computers.

So basically, Not legally, but you can do it.

Answer 5

Your license is valid till you have replaced motherboards. (Assumes OEM version of residing house windows 7) in case you have the retail version, the respond is...sure, you could reinstall without regulations.

Answer 6

Legally, it is allowed to be done within legal bounds to put old license on a new machine if you stop using the old machine and suppose to be so until this day but you might not even able to do it painless within legal bounds according to current Microsoft practice.

Answer 7

yes u can!!!