Installing over unactivated XP

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Guest

I had Windows XP home edition OEM installed on my old pc. Updated all the
hardware except HDD, so OEM XP refuses to get activated.

So, what happens if i purchase Windows Vista and install it to this pc? And
i mean upgrade version and NOT OEM. Does Vista require that XP is activated
first?

Purchasing XP full version is another choise and i know it would work but i
would get Vista almost at same price.
 
Did you try calling the activation phone number at MS and explain what you
have done. I have found them to alwalys provide activation for me when I
changed too many components on my system.
 
Yes i called them, told me that OEM-version of XP is only for one pc and it
activates only on that pc. And told me to buy new.
 
I havew used a generic OEM XP Pro CE to install on OEM vendors systemns when
I did not have the OEM Vendors CD.. In any case I believe that is the MOBO
that is tied to the product key label on the system which is why you can't
activate it.
 
You'll have to do a clean install instead of an upgrade. If you're worried
about your files being backed up then you'll be happy to know they're all
saved to a folder when the old OS is written over (Provided you do not format
prior to installing).

Although if your main issue is your OEM key is being rejected by Microsoft,
I have never known switching PC's to keep their operators from over riding
the activation. You will have to purchase a full version of Windows Vista.
 
Vista upgrade editions check for genuine Windows so, yes, XP needs to be
activated. If you have difficulty activating XP you need to use phone
activation before installing an ugrade edition of Vista.
 
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