Re: Activate Windows on OLD computer, already activated on NEW compute
ULguy wrote:
> I recently purchased a new windows xp home edition computer which I am in the
> process of transferring data from my OLD xp home edition computer. In
> reviewing what is on my old computer, I noticed that the "activate Windows"
> option was there ( start, all programs, accessories, system tools, activate
> Windows), whereas my NEW computer does not show this option at all.
>
> What is going on here? Is it possible that on my 6 yr old computer windows
> was never activated? And somehow it is already activated on my NEW computer?
>
> This of course begs the question "what would happen If I "click" on
> "activate windows"?". Does it matter after 6 years?
>
> What about the new computer. How can I check to find out if it is
> activated? Is it possible that builder of new computer (Tigerdirect)
> activated Windows?
>
> Finally, shouldn't activation info be related to me , the owner of computer?
>
>
> I find it odd that my old computer (Home shopping network purchased in 2001,
> only user) appears to have windows not activated, whereas my new computer
> appears to already have windows activated.
I can't answer why your old computer is showing as not activated - it
obviously must have been activated in the past. If you aren't going to
use this machine just get your data off and don't worry about it. If
you're going to use the machine you'll need to activate it again.
As for the other machine, it is usual for computers provided by system
builders like Tiger that come with the OS preinstalled to already be
activated. The system builder has a volume license and they take care of
activation by having that form of licensing. No, the activation
information has nothing to do with you in this case. If you want to
*register* with Microsoft, that's a different (and completely optional)
process.
Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User