Hello, I have a Windows XP Home already installed on my computer(desktop). I have just purchased a laptop. I would be using this laptop for all my future purposes and not this desktop. Can I use the same licensed Windows XP that I am already having, on this laptop as well, or do I need to purchase another one?(It is a single user license software). Please note that I would no longer be using the desktop anymore after I install everything on my laptop. Is it possible? If so, how?

That all depends, the copy of Windows XP that you widh to uninstall, did it come with the Desktop Computer or is it a retail copy which you bought in a store?

The reason I ask is that if the version came with your desktop, it is licensed only to be on that one computer, you cannot install it on another. It violates the license agreement. It also will not activate and after 30 days, the laptop will be useless.

If, however it is a retail copy, then you can install it on any computer (only ONE at a time), and then activate it on the laptop. Do you know all about activation?

You have no choice but to plead your case to Microsoft if you use the same key for the laptop. During the installation, or whenever you decide to activate XP, it will phone home to Microsoft with a different hardware code and you will have to phone them to get activated.

It is a version that came with my desktop. So now I have to purchase another one, right?

Yes I know about activation

Is your laptop a barebones one with no OS? Otherwise it should have a OS already.

An OEM version of Windows is licensed to the specific machine as I recently found out. (I replaced the Vista Home Premium that came with my new desktop with a copy of Ulitmate that I have and was hoping to use the Home Premium key to upgrade another desktop). I was told by MS I couldn't do that, oh well.

HVAC makes a good point, however, Your laptop should have come with an OS already.

Yes my laptop comes only with DOS in it. Windows has to be installed.

I also happen to have MS Office on my desktop, can that at least be uninstalled from the desktop and installed on my laptop?

Yes, Office can be uninstalled and moved to a different machine.

Office you can, yes. It can be installed on one desktop and one laptop at the same time if its Office 2000 - Office XP Professional. If it's Office 2003, it can be installed on 3 machines, however, if it's Office 2007, it can only be on ONE machine. The only reason I know all this is because I worked in Microsoft Technical support for many years in their call centres in North America until it all went to India.

Office you can, yes. It can be installed on one desktop and one laptop at the same time if its Office 2000 - Office XP Professional. If it's Office 2003, it can be installed on 3 machines, however, if it's Office 2007, it can only be on ONE machine. The only reason I know all this is because I worked in Microsoft Technical support for many years in their call centres in North America until it all went to India.

Actually that is not 100% accurate. The Office license for all versions EXCEPT Student and Home editions does allow you to install on 2 machines, either desktop and laptop or home and office as long as only one machine is in use at a time. Its only the Student and Home Edition that comes licensed for 3 PCs.

That all depends, the copy of Windows XP that you widh to uninstall, did it come with the Desktop Computer or is it a retail copy which you bought in a store?

The reason I ask is that if the version came with your desktop, it is licensed only to be on that one computer, you cannot install it on another. It violates the license agreement. It also will not activate and after 30 days, the laptop will be useless.

If, however it is a retail copy, then you can install it on any computer (only ONE at a time), and then activate it on the laptop. Do you know all about activation?



I am Tushar. I have installed Windows XP Pro. OEM software on 10 number of systems without any problem. Since 5 month I am not facing any problem with these PC.

Tushar,
I assume you have 10 different keys or a corporate license. That is not the case in the OP's question.