Can I move an OEM WinXP HDD to a new machine?

Does it make a difference if I put the new motherboard and CPU in the old
case?

"Carey Frisch [MVP]" <cnfrisch RemoveThis @nospamgmail.com> wrote in message
news:eAWSq9K2FHA.3892@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
> You cannot transfer the license for a preinstalled OEM
> version of Windows XP to a different computer. The
> license is directly tied to the original computer's hardware.
>
> You'll need to purchase a conventional version of
> Windows XP for your new computer.
>
> --
> Carey Frisch
> Microsoft MVP
> Windows - Shell/User
> Microsoft Community Newsgroups
> news://msnews.microsoft.com/
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> "M Skabialka" wrote:
>
> | We have a 2 1/2 yr old machine which came from the manufacturer with no
> copy
> | of Windows XP Home, only a restore disk. On the occasion that we had to
> use
> | it, there was no option to reinstall Windows, only to reformat and start
> | over.
> |
> | We bought a really fast CPU and fan on sale and realized that it is not
> | compatible with the motherboard on this machine, so then went out and
> bought
> | a new case and motherboard. We would like to move everything else from
> the
> | first machine (NIC, RAM, HDD, CD-RW, Video adapter, fans, etc) and have
> a
> | new faster machine.
> |
> | However, when we put the hard drive in (which works OK now) onto the new
> | machine, what will it do to the Windows XP Home that is on the HDD but
> | thinks it belongs to the other motherboard and CPU?
> |
> | Will it let this happen or totally scramble everything?
> |
> | We are going to ghost it first just in case, but does anyone else have
> | experience, good or bad, doing this?
> |
> | Since we already own this copy of Win XP Home, we don't want to have to
> buy
> | it again. The other machine will be gutted and useless.
> |
> | Thanks,
> | Mich
>
 >> Stay informed about: Can I move an OEM WinXP HDD to a new machine? 

You cannot replace the motherboard with a different motherboard
and use the original Windows XP license. You would have to use
the exact same motherboard.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"M Skabialka" wrote:

| Does it make a difference if I put the new motherboard and CPU in the old
| case?
 >> Stay informed about: Can I move an OEM WinXP HDD to a new machine? 

"M Skabialka" <mskabialka DeleteThis @NOSPAMdrc.com> wrote

> Does it make a difference if I put the new motherboard and CPU in the old
> case?

Carey, as usual, is wrong. You cannot, however, use the restore CD because
it was made for the previous motherboard and tied to its BIOS, not because,
as Carey says, it's a "different computer". Had the original seller of the
computer given you a generic OEM, yes, it would be an upgrade not a new
computer like the misnamed "MVP" Carey says. I would recommend you buy a
generic OEM, not a retail version if you want to save money and try a repair
install after backing up your data on the HD first and, if that doesn't
work, a clean install. As you live in Alabama, check out:

http://www.walmart.com/search/browse-ng.do?ref=125875.126122+500854.42...71607&p

Alias
>
> "Carey Frisch [MVP]" <cnfrisch DeleteThis @nospamgmail.com> wrote

>> You cannot transfer the license for a preinstalled OEM
>> version of Windows XP to a different computer. The
>> license is directly tied to the original computer's hardware.
>>
>> You'll need to purchase a conventional version of
>> Windows XP for your new computer.
>>
>> --
>> Carey Frisch
>> Microsoft MVP
>> Windows - Shell/User
>> Microsoft Community Newsgroups
>> news://msnews.microsoft.com/
>>
>> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> "M Skabialka" wrote:
>>
>> | We have a 2 1/2 yr old machine which came from the manufacturer with no
>> copy
>> | of Windows XP Home, only a restore disk. On the occasion that we had
>> to use
>> | it, there was no option to reinstall Windows, only to reformat and
>> start
>> | over.
>> |
>> | We bought a really fast CPU and fan on sale and realized that it is not
>> | compatible with the motherboard on this machine, so then went out and
>> bought
>> | a new case and motherboard. We would like to move everything else from
>> the
>> | first machine (NIC, RAM, HDD, CD-RW, Video adapter, fans, etc) and have
>> a
>> | new faster machine.
>> |
>> | However, when we put the hard drive in (which works OK now) onto the
>> new
>> | machine, what will it do to the Windows XP Home that is on the HDD but
>> | thinks it belongs to the other motherboard and CPU?
>> |
>> | Will it let this happen or totally scramble everything?
>> |
>> | We are going to ghost it first just in case, but does anyone else have
>> | experience, good or bad, doing this?
>> |
>> | Since we already own this copy of Win XP Home, we don't want to have to
>> buy
>> | it again. The other machine will be gutted and useless.
>> |
>> | Thanks,
>> | Mich
>>
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: Can I move an OEM WinXP HDD to a new machine? 

Q. Can a PC with OEM Windows XP have its motherboard upgraded and keep the
same license? What if it was replaced because it was defective?

A. Generally, you may upgrade or replace all of the hardware components on
your customer's computer and the end user may maintain the license for the
original Microsoft® OEM operating system software, with the exception of an
upgrade or replacement of the motherboard. An upgrade of the motherboard is
considered to result in a "new personal computer" to which Microsoft® OEM
operating system software cannot be transferred from another computer. If the
motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect, then a
new computer has been created and the license of new operating system
software is required. If the motherboard is replaced because it is defective,
you do NOT need to acquire a new operating system license for the PC.

The reason for this licensing rule primarily relates to the end-user license
agreement (EULA) and the support of the software covered by that EULA. The
EULA is a set of usage rights granted to the end-user by the PC manufacturer
and relates only to rights for that software as installed on for that
particular PC. The System Builder is required to support the software on that
original PC. Understanding that end users, over time, upgrade their PC with
different components, Microsoft needed to have one base component "left
standing" that would still define that original PC. Since the motherboard
contains the CPU and is the "heart and soul" of the PC, when the motherboard
is replaced (for reasons other than defect) a new PC is essentially created.
The original System Builder, therefore, can not be expected to support this
new PC that they in effect, did not manufacture.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User
 >> Stay informed about: Can I move an OEM WinXP HDD to a new machine? 

What actually happens when you put the HDD on the new motherboard? Does it
look to the restore CD for new BIOS info, or scramble the XP installation?

I have a copy of Win XP Home upgrade that I am not using. Can you upgrade
from OEM XP to Win XP upgrade from older versions?

Also, what indication was there that I live in Alabama?

"Alias" <aka@[notme]maskedandanonymous.org> wrote in message
news:%23mZlcLL2FHA.3192@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
>
> "M Skabialka" <mskabialka.RemoveThis@NOSPAMdrc.com> wrote
>
>> Does it make a difference if I put the new motherboard and CPU in the old
>> case?
>
> Carey, as usual, is wrong. You cannot, however, use the restore CD because
> it was made for the previous motherboard and tied to its BIOS, not
> because, as Carey says, it's a "different computer". Had the original
> seller of the computer given you a generic OEM, yes, it would be an
> upgrade not a new computer like the misnamed "MVP" Carey says. I would
> recommend you buy a generic OEM, not a retail version if you want to save
> money and try a repair install after backing up your data on the HD first
> and, if that doesn't work, a clean install. As you live in Alabama, check
> out:
>
> http://www.walmart.com/search/browse-ng.do?ref=125875.126122+500854.42...71607&p
>
> Alias
>>
>> "Carey Frisch [MVP]" <cnfrisch.RemoveThis@nospamgmail.com> wrote
>
>>> You cannot transfer the license for a preinstalled OEM
>>> version of Windows XP to a different computer. The
>>> license is directly tied to the original computer's hardware.
>>>
>>> You'll need to purchase a conventional version of
>>> Windows XP for your new computer.
>>>
>>> --
>>> Carey Frisch
>>> Microsoft MVP
>>> Windows - Shell/User
>>> Microsoft Community Newsgroups
>>> news://msnews.microsoft.com/
>>>
>>> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>
>>> "M Skabialka" wrote:
>>>
>>> | We have a 2 1/2 yr old machine which came from the manufacturer with
>>> no copy
>>> | of Windows XP Home, only a restore disk. On the occasion that we had
>>> to use
>>> | it, there was no option to reinstall Windows, only to reformat and
>>> start
>>> | over.
>>> |
>>> | We bought a really fast CPU and fan on sale and realized that it is
>>> not
>>> | compatible with the motherboard on this machine, so then went out and
>>> bought
>>> | a new case and motherboard. We would like to move everything else
>>> from the
>>> | first machine (NIC, RAM, HDD, CD-RW, Video adapter, fans, etc) and
>>> have a
>>> | new faster machine.
>>> |
>>> | However, when we put the hard drive in (which works OK now) onto the
>>> new
>>> | machine, what will it do to the Windows XP Home that is on the HDD but
>>> | thinks it belongs to the other motherboard and CPU?
>>> |
>>> | Will it let this happen or totally scramble everything?
>>> |
>>> | We are going to ghost it first just in case, but does anyone else have
>>> | experience, good or bad, doing this?
>>> |
>>> | Since we already own this copy of Win XP Home, we don't want to have
>>> to buy
>>> | it again. The other machine will be gutted and useless.
>>> |
>>> | Thanks,
>>> | Mich
>>>
>>
>>
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: Can I move an OEM WinXP HDD to a new machine? 

Changing a Motherboard or Moving a Hard Drive with XP Installed
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/moving_xp.html

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

You can use your copy of Windows XP to perform a
"Repair Install".

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User


"M Skabialka" wrote:

> What actually happens when you put the HDD on the new motherboard? Does it
> look to the restore CD for new BIOS info, or scramble the XP installation?
>
> I have a copy of Win XP Home upgrade that I am not using. Can you upgrade
> from OEM XP to Win XP upgrade from older versions?
 >> Stay informed about: Can I move an OEM WinXP HDD to a new machine? 

M Skabialka wrote:

> What actually happens when you put the HDD on the new motherboard?
> Does it look to the restore CD for new BIOS info, or scramble the XP
> installation?
>
> I have a copy of Win XP Home upgrade that I am not using. Can you
> upgrade from OEM XP to Win XP upgrade from older versions?
>
> Also, what indication was there that I live in Alabama?
>

Do a clean install using your XP Home. You can do a clean install with
an upgrade; early in the install you'll be asked to supply a cd of an
older operating system to prove you're qualified for an upgrade.

Qualifying Media -
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/upgrading/matrix.mspx

http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html - Clean Install

I'm not sure why Alias thought you were in Alabama; a Whois of your IP
shows Qwest in Denver. The IP shows in your headers and isn't anything
to be concerned about. Naturally you have a firewall installed to
protect your computer anyway.

Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User
 >> Stay informed about: Can I move an OEM WinXP HDD to a new machine? 

"Carey Frisch [MVP]" <mrxp2004 RemoveThis @nospamyahoo.com> wrote

> Q. Can a PC with OEM Windows XP have its motherboard upgraded and keep the
> same license? What if it was replaced because it was defective?
>
> A. Generally, you may upgrade or replace all of the hardware components on
> your customer's computer and the end user may maintain the license for the
> original Microsoft® OEM operating system software, with the exception of
> an
> upgrade or replacement of the motherboard. An upgrade of the motherboard
> is
> considered to result in a "new personal computer" to which Microsoft® OEM
> operating system software cannot be transferred from another computer. If
> the
> motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect, then
> a
> new computer has been created and the license of new operating system
> software is required. If the motherboard is replaced because it is
> defective,
> you do NOT need to acquire a new operating system license for the PC.
>
> The reason for this licensing rule primarily relates to the end-user
> license
> agreement (EULA) and the support of the software covered by that EULA. The
> EULA is a set of usage rights granted to the end-user by the PC
> manufacturer
> and relates only to rights for that software as installed on for that
> particular PC. The System Builder is required to support the software on
> that
> original PC. Understanding that end users, over time, upgrade their PC
> with
> different components, Microsoft needed to have one base component "left
> standing" that would still define that original PC. Since the motherboard
> contains the CPU and is the "heart and soul" of the PC, when the
> motherboard
> is replaced (for reasons other than defect) a new PC is essentially
> created.
> The original System Builder, therefore, can not be expected to support
> this
> new PC that they in effect, did not manufacture.
>
> --
> Carey Frisch

Why oh why do you insist on posting this that does not apply to an end user,
Carey? It's been pointed out to you numerous times yet you keep posting it.
Are you dense or what?

Alias
 >> Stay informed about: Can I move an OEM WinXP HDD to a new machine? 

"M Skabialka" <mskabialka DeleteThis @NOSPAMdrc.com> wrote

> What actually happens when you put the HDD on the new motherboard? Does
> it look to the restore CD for new BIOS info, or scramble the XP
> installation?
>
> I have a copy of Win XP Home upgrade that I am not using. Can you upgrade
> from OEM XP to Win XP upgrade from older versions?

You can try a repair install with your upgrade CD. See these two links:

Changing a Motherboard or Moving a Hard Drive with XP Installed
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/moving_xp.html

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

> Also, what indication was there that I live in Alabama?

Your IP address.

Alias
>
> "Alias" <aka@[notme]maskedandanonymous.org> wrote in message
> news:%23mZlcLL2FHA.3192@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
>>
>> "M Skabialka" <mskabialka DeleteThis @NOSPAMdrc.com> wrote
>>
>>> Does it make a difference if I put the new motherboard and CPU in the
>>> old case?
>>
>> Carey, as usual, is wrong. You cannot, however, use the restore CD
>> because it was made for the previous motherboard and tied to its BIOS,
>> not because, as Carey says, it's a "different computer". Had the original
>> seller of the computer given you a generic OEM, yes, it would be an
>> upgrade not a new computer like the misnamed "MVP" Carey says. I would
>> recommend you buy a generic OEM, not a retail version if you want to save
>> money and try a repair install after backing up your data on the HD first
>> and, if that doesn't work, a clean install. As you live in Alabama, check
>> out:
>>
>> http://www.walmart.com/search/browse-ng.do?ref=125875.126122+500854.42...71607&p
>>
>> Alias
>>>
>>> "Carey Frisch [MVP]" <cnfrisch DeleteThis @nospamgmail.com> wrote
>>
>>>> You cannot transfer the license for a preinstalled OEM
>>>> version of Windows XP to a different computer. The
>>>> license is directly tied to the original computer's hardware.
>>>>
>>>> You'll need to purchase a conventional version of
>>>> Windows XP for your new computer.
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Carey Frisch
>>>> Microsoft MVP
>>>> Windows - Shell/User
>>>> Microsoft Community Newsgroups
>>>> news://msnews.microsoft.com/
>>>>
>>>> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>
>>>> "M Skabialka" wrote:
>>>>
>>>> | We have a 2 1/2 yr old machine which came from the manufacturer with
>>>> no copy
>>>> | of Windows XP Home, only a restore disk. On the occasion that we had
>>>> to use
>>>> | it, there was no option to reinstall Windows, only to reformat and
>>>> start
>>>> | over.
>>>> |
>>>> | We bought a really fast CPU and fan on sale and realized that it is
>>>> not
>>>> | compatible with the motherboard on this machine, so then went out and
>>>> bought
>>>> | a new case and motherboard. We would like to move everything else
>>>> from the
>>>> | first machine (NIC, RAM, HDD, CD-RW, Video adapter, fans, etc) and
>>>> have a
>>>> | new faster machine.
>>>> |
>>>> | However, when we put the hard drive in (which works OK now) onto the
>>>> new
>>>> | machine, what will it do to the Windows XP Home that is on the HDD
>>>> but
>>>> | thinks it belongs to the other motherboard and CPU?
>>>> |
>>>> | Will it let this happen or totally scramble everything?
>>>> |
>>>> | We are going to ghost it first just in case, but does anyone else
>>>> have
>>>> | experience, good or bad, doing this?
>>>> |
>>>> | Since we already own this copy of Win XP Home, we don't want to have
>>>> to buy
>>>> | it again. The other machine will be gutted and useless.
>>>> |
>>>> | Thanks,
>>>> | Mich
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: Can I move an OEM WinXP HDD to a new machine? 

"Malke" <notreally.DeleteThis@invalid.com> wrote

>
> I'm not sure why Alias thought you were in Alabama; a Whois of your IP
> shows Qwest in Denver.
>
> Malke

From http://www.ip-to-location.com/
IP Address Country (Short) Country (Full) Flag Region City ISP
Map
65.114.39.222 US UNITED STATES ALABAMA MADISON DYNAMICS RESEARCH
CORPORATION

Alias
 >> Stay informed about: Can I move an OEM WinXP HDD to a new machine? 

Alias wrote:

>
> "Malke" <notreally.DeleteThis@invalid.com> wrote
>
>>
>> I'm not sure why Alias thought you were in Alabama; a Whois of your
>> IP shows Qwest in Denver.
>>
>> Malke
>
> From http://www.ip-to-location.com/
> IP Address Country (Short) Country (Full) Flag Region City
> ISP
> Map
> 65.114.39.222 US UNITED STATES ALABAMA MADISON DYNAMICS RESEARCH
> CORPORATION
>
> Alias

Thanks. I used SamSpade and got Denver. Hardly matters, though Denver is
probably nicer.

Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User
 >> Stay informed about: Can I move an OEM WinXP HDD to a new machine? 

It certainly applies to an end-user! You have no clue as
to the licensing stipulations of OEM versions of Windows
XP. Please refrain from responding to questions regarding
OEM licensing since your replys are purely non-sense,
mis-leading, confusing, and do more harm then good
to the OP who is seeking trustworthy advice!

Direct quotes from the Resourc Guide to Windows Licensing:

"OEM Windows Desktop operating systems preinstalled on a PC
CANNOT BE TRANSFERRED or reassigned to another machine.
The license is ALWAYS TIED to the ORIGINAL SYSTEM in which it
was installed, even if the PC is no longer in use. The software
media, manuals, and Certificate of Authenticity may only be
transferred to another end user if the PC on which it was installed
is also transferred."

"OEM versions are intended for system builders only and cannot be
transferred to another PC once it is installed. Purchasers of this software
are required to comply with the terms of the System Builder License,
including responsibility for providing all end-user support."

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User


"Alias" wrote:

>
> "Carey Frisch [MVP]" <mrxp2004 RemoveThis @nospamyahoo.com> wrote
>
> > Q. Can a PC with OEM Windows XP have its motherboard upgraded and keep the
> > same license? What if it was replaced because it was defective?
> >
> > A. Generally, you may upgrade or replace all of the hardware components on
> > your customer's computer and the end user may maintain the license for the
> > original Microsoft® OEM operating system software, with the exception of
> > an
> > upgrade or replacement of the motherboard. An upgrade of the motherboard
> > is
> > considered to result in a "new personal computer" to which Microsoft® OEM
> > operating system software cannot be transferred from another computer. If
> > the
> > motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect, then
> > a
> > new computer has been created and the license of new operating system
> > software is required. If the motherboard is replaced because it is
> > defective,
> > you do NOT need to acquire a new operating system license for the PC.
> >
> > The reason for this licensing rule primarily relates to the end-user
> > license
> > agreement (EULA) and the support of the software covered by that EULA. The
> > EULA is a set of usage rights granted to the end-user by the PC
> > manufacturer
> > and relates only to rights for that software as installed on for that
> > particular PC. The System Builder is required to support the software on
> > that
> > original PC. Understanding that end users, over time, upgrade their PC
> > with
> > different components, Microsoft needed to have one base component "left
> > standing" that would still define that original PC. Since the motherboard
> > contains the CPU and is the "heart and soul" of the PC, when the
> > motherboard
> > is replaced (for reasons other than defect) a new PC is essentially
> > created.
> > The original System Builder, therefore, can not be expected to support
> > this
> > new PC that they in effect, did not manufacture.
> >
> > --
> > Carey Frisch
>
> Why oh why do you insist on posting this that does not apply to an end user,
> Carey? It's been pointed out to you numerous times yet you keep posting it.
> Are you dense or what?
>
> Alias
>
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: Can I move an OEM WinXP HDD to a new machine? 

"Carey Frisch [MVP]" <mrxp2004.DeleteThis@nospamyahoo.com> wrote

> It certainly applies to an end-user! You have no clue as
> to the licensing stipulations of OEM versions of Windows
> XP. Please refrain from responding to questions regarding
> OEM licensing since your replys are purely non-sense,
> mis-leading, confusing, and do more harm then good
> to the OP who is seeking trustworthy advice!
>
> Direct quotes from the Resourc Guide to Windows Licensing:
>
> "OEM Windows Desktop operating systems preinstalled on a PC
> CANNOT BE TRANSFERRED or reassigned to another machine.
> The license is ALWAYS TIED to the ORIGINAL SYSTEM in which it
> was installed, even if the PC is no longer in use. The software
> media, manuals, and Certificate of Authenticity may only be
> transferred to another end user if the PC on which it was installed
> is also transferred."
>
> "OEM versions are intended for system builders only and cannot be
> transferred to another PC once it is installed. Purchasers of this
> software
> are required to comply with the terms of the System Builder License,
> including responsibility for providing all end-user support."
>
> --
> Carey Frisch
> Microsoft MVP
> Windows XP - Shell/User

Um, who said anything about transfering the OS to another PC? He is
upgrading his PC by replacing a few components and that's perfectly kosher
and you know it. Do you get some kind of vicarious thrill from scaring
newbies into buying a retail version of Windows? Upgrading or replacing a
motherboard is not mentioned in the END USER'S -- NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH
SYSTEM BUILDER THAT YOUR COPY AND PASTE ADDRESSES, EULA. Period. I have
three OEM EULAs, two in Spanish and one in English and NONE of them say
ANYTHING about a motherboard being the defining hardware that constitutes a
computer and, if I want to upgrade from a Mobo that can only take 2x AGP to
one that can take 8x, I can. Or if I want to upgrade to one that can take
333 memory instead of 266, I can. Essentially, over time, I could upgrade
the computer's components completely except for one screw and it will still
only be installed on ONE computer and not transferred to another. Yaknow, a
PC, not a MAC.

Alias
>
>
> "Alias" wrote:
>
>>
>> "Carey Frisch [MVP]" <mrxp2004.DeleteThis@nospamyahoo.com> wrote
>>
>> > Q. Can a PC with OEM Windows XP have its motherboard upgraded and keep
>> > the
>> > same license? What if it was replaced because it was defective?
>> >
>> > A. Generally, you may upgrade or replace all of the hardware components
>> > on
>> > your customer's computer and the end user may maintain the license for
>> > the
>> > original Microsoft® OEM operating system software, with the
>> > exception of
>> > an
>> > upgrade or replacement of the motherboard. An upgrade of the
>> > motherboard
>> > is
>> > considered to result in a "new personal computer" to which
>> > Microsoft® OEM
>> > operating system software cannot be transferred from another computer.
>> > If
>> > the
>> > motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect,
>> > then
>> > a
>> > new computer has been created and the license of new operating system
>> > software is required. If the motherboard is replaced because it is
>> > defective,
>> > you do NOT need to acquire a new operating system license for the PC.
>> >
>> > The reason for this licensing rule primarily relates to the end-user
>> > license
>> > agreement (EULA) and the support of the software covered by that EULA.
>> > The
>> > EULA is a set of usage rights granted to the end-user by the PC
>> > manufacturer
>> > and relates only to rights for that software as installed on for that
>> > particular PC. The System Builder is required to support the software
>> > on
>> > that
>> > original PC. Understanding that end users, over time, upgrade their PC
>> > with
>> > different components, Microsoft needed to have one base component "left
>> > standing" that would still define that original PC. Since the
>> > motherboard
>> > contains the CPU and is the "heart and soul" of the PC, when the
>> > motherboard
>> > is replaced (for reasons other than defect) a new PC is essentially
>> > created.
>> > The original System Builder, therefore, can not be expected to support
>> > this
>> > new PC that they in effect, did not manufacture.
>> >
>> > --
>> > Carey Frisch
>>
>> Why oh why do you insist on posting this that does not apply to an end
>> user,
>> Carey? It's been pointed out to you numerous times yet you keep posting
>> it.
>> Are you dense or what?
>>
>> Alias
>>
>>
>>
 >> Stay informed about: Can I move an OEM WinXP HDD to a new machine?