Deactivating Windows?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Chris Schumacher
  • Start date Start date
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Chris Schumacher

A year ago I bought an XP Professional upgrade for my old computer. I
recently got a new computer that already had Professional installed.
I'm planning to either restore XP Home on my old computer, or possibly
replace it with one of the Linuxes, and use the upgrade on my laptop.
However, how do I let Microsoft know that XP Professional is no longer on
the first computer? Is there a way to "deactivate" it?
I don't want to get all the way through installation of XP Professional to
discover that it won't accept my license...

Thanks,

-==Kensu==-
 
Simply format the drive it is currently on and install whatever you wish
there. When you install version of XP Pro you purchased on your laptop, run
activation. If it won't activate over the Internet, you'll be presented
with a phone number to call. Simply tell them what you've done and you'll
be given an activation code over the phone.

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In memory of our dear friend, MVP Alex Nichol.

Michael Solomon MS-MVP
Windows Shell/User
https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/communities/mvp.aspx
Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
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Hi,

In addition to Michael, as it has been more than 120 days since your
previous activation, chances are fairly likely that activation will occur
unimpeded over the 'net.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
 
Chris said:
A year ago I bought an XP Professional upgrade for my old computer. I
recently got a new computer that already had Professional installed.
I'm planning to either restore XP Home on my old computer, or possibly
replace it with one of the Linuxes, and use the upgrade on my laptop.
However, how do I let Microsoft know that XP Professional is no longer on
the first computer? Is there a way to "deactivate" it?
I don't want to get all the way through installation of XP Professional to
discover that it won't accept my license...

Thanks,

-==Kensu==-
Click to expand...


There is no "de-activation" process, as such.

Assuming a retail license (OEM licenses are not transferable),
simply remove WinXP from the computer it is currently on and then
install it on the new computer. If it's been more than 120 days since
you last activated that specific Product Key, the you'll most likely be
able to activate via the Internet without problem. If it's been less,
you might have to make a 5 minute phone call.

Here are the facts pertaining to activation:

Piracy Basics - Microsoft Product Activation
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/basics/activation/

Windows Product Activation (WPA)
http://www.aumha.org/a/wpa.htm



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Bruce Chambers

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