Transfering XP installation from one machine to another?

[jerryheavyarms]

which linux is easier to use? Fedora, Ubuntu or Red Hat?

Well, this should be on a new thread. But I hope this thread has clear things for you.

Yes. You will have to reinstall XP. Back up everyting you want to save.

You will have to call microsoft to validate your copy of XP. Tell them that you simply "upgraded" your old computer.

[patio]

I should also mention that I have never registered or validated my copy of XP. Never have - never will.

How do you get Windows updates then ? ?

[quaxo]

I should also mention that I have never registered or validated my copy of XP. Never have - never will.

As far as I know, the only time Windows XP doesn't require validation after installation is when it's a hacked illegal version that bypasses this. You're not required to register, but an authentic version of Windows XP requires validation or it will nag you to validate until you do. Plus you can't get any updates or downloads until you do.

If, by some feat, your Windows installation does work after you swap it over, and if it is genuine, it will state that there has been a significant hardware change and re-require validation.

I know when I upgraded this system (changed motherboard, processor, RAM, sound card, and video card) when I booted it again to reinstall Windows, to my surprise it booted right up into the previous installation, but it still required validation again because it detected the hardware change. It does occasionally work to use an old installation, but this isn't usually the case, and if it does work it will ask to validate.

[MrPipps]

I am amazed that your knowledge of XP validation is so limited.

Yes, the software requires a CD-key during installation. But the actual material 'validation' only occurs when that information is sent to the Microsoft database, should the user choose to apply Windows Updates. This is the only stage of the process where actual 'validation' occurs.

And just to set your minds at ease, my copy of XP is wholly legal and paid for. However, I simply do not believe in being coerced or forced into disclosing my computing activities to a commercial organisation once my contract for the purchase of software has been concluded.

The EULA does not stipulate that a Windows customer must validate their software periodically online as a condition of sale.

[quaxo]

Sorry, I meant activation and it is still required after a new install.

And just to set your minds at ease, my copy of XP is wholly legal and paid for.

If you say so.

However, I simply do not believe in being coerced or forced into disclosing my computing activities to a commercial organisation once my contract for the purchase of software has been concluded.

Neither activation nor online validation through WGA discloses any of your "computing activities". Perhaps you should do a little research about what information is transmitted before running your mouth.

I am amazed that your knowledge of XP validation is so limited.

I'm not amazed that you have obviously absolutely no idea what you're talking about.

[MrPipps]

Neither activation nor online validation through WGA discloses any of your "computing activities".

I think you will find that the reality is quite different from your preferred mental image. Validating software online inherently and unavoidably discloses a number of items of information. Perhaps you just regret that you naively validated your own software?

I am sorry that you feel the need to resort to dispensing personal insults. Though do please continue if you feel that it makes you look like a big man. I am sure that the level of respect you perceive yourself to receive on this forum will only be benefited as a result.

[quaxo]

You started with insults, I just responded. Don't try to be a troll trying to get a reaction, it won't work.

Yes, it discloses a number of items, none of which include anything having to do with your "computing activities" as you said.

[MrPipps]

You obviously have a lot more trolling experience than me, so I will be gentle with you.

I can think of a number of details concerning personal computing activities which online validation disclosed. The very fact that you are using that software, at that time, from that IP address, for instance. Though perhaps you weren't aware of this.

I am amazed that your knowledge of XP validation is so limited.

Yes, and there is clearly nothing insulting about that statement. Though if it has upset so much you then perhaps you should report it. I am sure a moderator will be delighted to hear from you after suffering such a devastating statement of fact which is inherent from your responses on this thread.

You should probably also check that you are using the correct terminology next time you troll my thread. I stated 'validation' from the very start of this tangent. You got confused and thought I was referring to 'activation', which clearly was not the case. So perhaps you should bow out gracefully, and accept you made a mistake, and made an issue out of nothing. Or, alternatively, you could keep on trolling.

[quaxo]

Not upset about anything, so don't try to falsely imply that I am.

Activation or validation does not transmit personally identifiable information, whether you think it does or not. Doing either of the actions does send a lot of the same information, none of it having anything to do with "computing activities", as you stated. That is the whole point. Your statement is just wrong.

Product Activation sends:
Display adapter model
SCSI adapter model
IDE adapter
Network adapter model and MAC Address
RAM information
Processor information
Information on hard drives and optical drives models

WGA sends (in addition to the above):
Computer manufacturer
GUID
Regional and language options, as well as locale (country only)
OS version
BIOS information and checksum
Validation and installation information
Windows key
Office key (if applicable)
Windows ID

None of that information contains anything that identifies your "computing activities" or who you are. You're just being paranoid.

[MrPipps]

You forgot to mention 'IP address'.

And that, combined with license key, is all the information anyone could need to identify you.

Perhaps you work for Microsoft? It's ok, I won't hold it against you.

Though your advocacy of disbanding a right to privacy is something altogether more objectionable.

[quaxo]

I didn't forget it. I've never seen anything anywhere that indicates the IP address or anything identifying the user is ever sent.

The license key wouldn't prove anything unless you actually register Windows, at which point you are offering them personal information, but registering isn't required to activate, validate, receive updates, or make Windows operate normally. Besides, that isn't the point. You said it tells them about your "computing activities", but you have yet to show evidence of that. So far, all you've given is a lot of misinformation about what activating and validation actually does.

[patio]

Enough.

Topic Closed.

Mr. Pipps if you still want to go down this road instead of disparaging Members start a new Topic.