New tower but still original retail XP CD - can I activate?

[mel999]

Hi, - - I had to make an insurance claim against my tower. The insurance company have replaced my entire tower and to my delight, superior spec to the one I lost. However, the company they appointed to build it have installed XP Home and included a recovery disc. (Thank you)!!!

My question is: - Can I just reformat this new PC's hard drive and install my original Retail upgrade of XP Home. I do still have my win 98 disc as proof of ownership. I have heard that if I do reformat and install, I will not be able to activate after 30 days. - - IS THIS CORRECT?

Would like to try this tomorrow, early repy would be appreciated. - Thank you.

Mel in the UK

 

[wolluf]

If its full retail version you have, you can transfer it to another machine (you'll have to ring Microsoft and explain circumstances I believe).

But - haven't you now got XP Home on this machine (and your upgrade is also XP Home)?

 

[Frank4d]

You can continue with what you have, or reinstall your original XP upgrade software.
If XP indicates that you have to call Microsoft, punch in the 48 digit code and call Microsoft. When the Microsoft tech support person asks if your copy of XP is installed on any other machine?, answer "No". Type in the code they give you and you should be good to go.

 

[bcastner]

Not only is there little reason to reformat and install XP Home (again), consider that it is very likely the XP Home you have installed includes newer drivers and surely at least Service Pack 1 if not Service Pack 2.

Leave what you have already in place.