Reinstall Upgrade version but lost full version of XP

Victor2112

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Mar 29, 2007
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I have an installed, activated, upgrade version of Windows 7. I had a full version of XP, which I used to activate Win 7 (I think - this was quite a while ago).

I've bought a new motherboard/CPU/memory/graphics card, but now can't find my original XP! We've moved in between, so it must have gone missing then.

So, my question is: if I just change the hardware, will I be prompted to activate? If so, how can I do it? Is there any way I can get the serial number of the full XP from my current install? I'm not clear at all how I should proceed.
 
Solution
Hi

you are re activating Win 7 so no need for XP key to be used.

You only need to speak to some one at Microsoft if first 2 methods of activating fail
I have a multi boot PC with upgrade XP, upgrade 7 and upgrade 8
and have changed motherboard once.

regards

Mike Barnes
Hi
prepare for new motherboard by removing drivers associated with old motherboard
eg graphics, sound etc before final Windows shutdown.
(backup any essential data before starting this process)

You will have to re activate Windows 7 if you use a new motherboard and old hard disk with Windows 7
If online Internet Activation does not work, use telephone to contact Microsoft licensing using phone keys

If that does not work talk to them
(they will want convincing that Windows 7 is only installed on one PC and is not OEM which is shown by license key)

If that fails you may have to do a reinstall over top of existing Windows installation

Assuming you have genuine retail windows 7 DVD and the Win 7 product key label the XP licence key is not asked for.

Regards

Mike Barnes



 

Victor2112

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Mar 29, 2007
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Hi. Thanks for this. My worry is that, as it is an upgrade, and I've lost the full licence copy of XP (and so have neither the physical disk or the key), can I activate at all? Will I need to get a new full licence of some windows product? I've seen lots of XP licences for sale on ebay (eg here, but are they OEM and so wouldn't be of any use to me? I've read through the guidance on this forum and must confess to being none the wiser.

Perhaps I should just ring Microsoft? As I said, I've already got an activated copy (XP full + Win7 upgrade) on my current layout.
 
Hi

you are re activating Win 7 so no need for XP key to be used.

You only need to speak to some one at Microsoft if first 2 methods of activating fail
I have a multi boot PC with upgrade XP, upgrade 7 and upgrade 8
and have changed motherboard once.

regards

Mike Barnes
 
Solution