jcbrief Posted June 26, 2007 Share Posted June 26, 2007 We have been given some "older" computers (450Mhz Intel CPU, 320Mb ram, 6Gb HD, 17" CRT), which are loaded with Windows XP Pro Corporate, and Word 2002. Several that I've tested have passed the "Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Check". I have no reason to believe these are not valid copies of WinXP-Pro and word 2002.I have W2kPro, WinXP-Pro, and WinXP-Home on my, wifes, and family puter. But they are OEM or Retail. I have very little idea of what the policies are re: these Corporate versions. Can anyone fill me in please:I'm getting back to the person where I got them from for ways to re-install them when I need to (not if, but when). I can't find on the systems any i386 folders to I can re-install them.Also Can I upgrade these systems. or move the OS to another puter like the Retail version?I don't want to bend or break any Microsofts rules. I'm just not sure what I can do with a corporate version.Now I realized these systems are, well, OLD, slow and underpowered. But they were free (a school upgraded and these were available). We have some friends who don't have any puters and we thought that we could get these setup for them.I'm looking at taking out several 6G HD's and put them in the other systems for more space. This would leave those OS's available. That is what got me thinking. Of maybe replace my xp-home with them.Thanks,Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelsenellenelvian Posted June 26, 2007 Share Posted June 26, 2007 450Mhz Intel CPU, 320Mb ram, 6Gb HDXP Pro and word 2002?!?!?!?!?!??!Ummmmm there is not much space left for anything else...I Would suggest you take those pc's and move them back to win2000 or 98. As there are some wonderfull extras like update packs and tweak packs made for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcbrief Posted June 26, 2007 Author Share Posted June 26, 2007 Ummmmm there is not much space left for anything else...I Would suggest you take those pc's and move them back to win2000 or 98. As there are some wonderfull extras like update packs and tweak packs made for them.Yeah I know. The system is maxed out. But trying to use what I have (it was free). And Seeing that I have those copies of WinXP Pro (corporate edition) I'm trying to see if there is any problem with installing some of them on another puter.Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelsenellenelvian Posted June 26, 2007 Share Posted June 26, 2007 Technically if it isnt your license to begin with you can't do it. Sorry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcbrief Posted June 26, 2007 Author Share Posted June 26, 2007 Technically if it isnt your license to begin with you can't do it. SorryI'm a bit confused. I thought the OS was licensend to the computer, which is now mine. ?????My understanding is the school was not retaining the rights to the OS, or anything that was installed on the puters.Joe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cluberti Posted June 26, 2007 Share Posted June 26, 2007 I'm a bit confused. I thought the OS was licensend to the computer, which is now mine. ?????My understanding is the school was not retaining the rights to the OS, or anything that was installed on the puters.That is true for OEM copies, but not ANY other licensed copy of windows (especially VLK). Those copies are licensed to the original purchaser, and for a VLK, the license does not and cannot transfer with the hardware.You said these came with VLK corporate copies of XP, which is not OEM, which means that hardware does not have a valid license to run Windows. It only passes the check for WGA because the key is valid - it means the key is, not your license. You need licenses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcbrief Posted June 26, 2007 Author Share Posted June 26, 2007 That is true for OEM copies, but not ANY other licensed copy of windows (especially VLK). Those copies are licensed to the original purchaser, and for a VLK, the license does not and cannot transfer with the hardware.I figure I know the answer, but I might as well ask.Is there any way to transfer the rights from the origianl purchaser to me??.I've been trying to find microsofts 800 activation phone number to see if they can give me some direction. But that seems to be one elusive number. Google brings up mostly ways to "try" and get around activation (sigh), so far no luck there.I always needed 8 more paperwieghts . Thanks for the help guys,Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cluberti Posted June 26, 2007 Share Posted June 26, 2007 I figure I know the answer, but I might as well ask.Is there any way to transfer the rights from the origianl purchaser to me??.If it's a VLK copy of Windows corporate, no. If it's a retail or retail OEM copy, all you need is the COA and product key. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcbrief Posted June 26, 2007 Author Share Posted June 26, 2007 Thanks for the quick reply. My son is already interested in installing linux, so that will work.Joe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IcemanND Posted June 26, 2007 Share Posted June 26, 2007 do the machines have the COA sticker on them for windows XP? If so you just need to get a copy of the OEM install cd and use it to reinstall using the license number from the sticker, otherwise you need to get the original media and COA's from whomever gave you the machines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcbrief Posted June 26, 2007 Author Share Posted June 26, 2007 do the machines have the COA sticker on them for windows XP? If so you just need to get a copy of the OEM install cd and use it to reinstall using the license number from the sticker, otherwise you need to get the original media and COA's from whomever gave you the machines.Nope, no COA, only the schools serial numbers on their stickers to keep track of things.But thanks anyway,Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visitor Posted June 27, 2007 Share Posted June 27, 2007 ...been trying to find microsofts 800 activation phone number to see if they can give me some direction. But that seems to be one elusive number...Try 888-571-2048 (toll free, US) or 716-871-2929 (US toll number). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcbrief Posted June 27, 2007 Author Share Posted June 27, 2007 Try 888-571-2048 (toll free, US) or 716-871-2929 (US toll number).Thanks, Will try them and see what I get,Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcbrief Posted June 27, 2007 Author Share Posted June 27, 2007 I called the 888 number, and the Microsoft rep told me I have to contact the person who has the volume license. So I'm trying that.I figure it may be a slim chance (from what I've heard here, no chance), but if I don't try, I won't get it. If I do try, I may. Well trying won't hurt .Thanks for you helps guys,Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
severach Posted June 27, 2007 Share Posted June 27, 2007 They are legal if the school accounts for them each time they count to ensure that they are within their purchased license limit. This would be the norm if you worked for the school or if the school subtracts a seat each time they install and doesn't add back a seat each time a license is formatted or otherwise disappears.Considering that it was stupid for the school to sell you a computer with their VLK license on it which you can now give out to all your friends and the school is on the hook if any problems arise, I suspect they do not know what they are doing and they will, among other things, not account correctly for your licenses. To stick on the legal side of things you should cover for their mistake. Format and choose another license or OS. Who knows what other licensed software they left on that thing!Don't call Microsoft. No reason to get the school in trouble for things that are pretty cut and dry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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