Will Microsoft find out?

I have an old AMD XP 2100 desktop loaded with XP Pro. Well, I'm thinking off getting a cheap upgrade, maybe a $350 Core 2 Duo and a $300 video card desktop system. The problem is I don't want to buy another copy of Windows XP for it -- I want to use my Windows XP copy that was registered with my old computer. Like why bother buying XP again when Vista just came out? So, will Microsoft find out I installed my OS copy to a new computer (it's legit)? Will it do bad things like disable the OS? Have any of you tried this?

It really sucks because before like with Win 98 you could put it on multiple computers if you want.

I just want to have a better archive / XP computer desktop, as I use my laptop as my main computer anyway.

 

Well that would be illegal if it's an OEM copy, and you don't uninstall it from your old computer first. So this thread will probably be locked.. but..

They won't find out; to activate, you'll likely have to phone microsoft, as it will say your cd-key has already been used; just tell them you had to reformat your comp and need to reinstall; and they'll give you a new code. (the phone number is given on-screen if the automatic online activation fails)
And if you get lucky, it'll activate automatically without even having to phone in for a new code.

 

Why would the thread be locked? He's just wondering if he could use his copy of WinXP on his new rig. As long as he doesn't use the OS on both systems, it should be fine---it sounds like he purchased the XP Pro pack from a retailer. But to be safe, call up MS and ask them.

 

Yeah I supposed I misjudged the thread at first glance; I kinda took it more as, can I safely get away with this without getting busted.

 

I could be wrong and it could be an OEM copy with a "restore CD". He could always read through a few paragraphs on the EULA to be sure

 

If it's an OEM copy (meaning it came with the desktop preinstalled), it is only licensed to that hardware. If it is a retail copy (boxed, and purchased on its own), it can be uninstalled and reinstalled on other systems provided it's on one system at a time.

 

To answer your question: No, Micro$oft will not find out you are doing this.