Can I "deactivate" windows xp home?

I bought a custom built computer with windows xp home already activated, but not registered.

I would like to format the hard drive, and sell the computer, and keep windows xp home for my next computer.

Can I do this? Is there a way I can show Microsoft that I have uninstalled the operating system so I can install it on another computer at a later date?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!

-Nick

 

From Uncle Bill:

 

I cannot find where it would say in my agreement whether or not I can transfer it to another computer.
This activation this is a pain - to say the least.

 

Place a call to M$. My guess is that you won't have a problem.

 

[I would be appalled (but, sigh, unsurprised...] if there are versions of XP sold with PCs that are not transferrable to another (replacement) PC owned by the purchaser....]

A HELPFUL NOTE: do not even try to activate XP on the new PC via the internet, because it will make you type in that looong code, and then it will ALWAYS tell you you have to call for activation -- this will also happen if you change your PC's hardware significantly (I haven't figured out what it takes -- probably CPU or MB...).

ALSO: if you have OfficeXP or any component thereof, that also is going to fail to activate via the internet on the new PC -- if you have already installed it when you call for the WinXP activation, they can do the OffXP activation at the same time, which saves a teensy bit of hassle.

AND ONE MORE THING: when you call for activation, the MS folks on the phone can sound fairly skeptical that you really truly are installing this on only one computer and have really truly uninstalled it from your previous computer -- don't let them phase you -- you're telling the truth, so stick to your guns!

 

Disgusting!

I feel for you guys. I have never seen anything so digusting in my whole 46 years of life. It's a hinderance to pc builders, pc experimentor's, and anyone else who is a real individual and not an image made of Microsoft.

There are ways around everything, and you guys are all legit! There is no way on God's earth that you should have to go through these changes that you do.

If Microsoft didn't try this activation thing they would never have gotten ripped the way they did. Anyone who writes good software deserves to be paid, but get greedy and try to create a slave race, you'll lose. It's human nature.

I might be legal, but that doesn't mean I'd turn on anyone who isn't, because they are the true fighters for freedom and freedom of expression.

 

Indeed.

 

Duhh!

I want to change my experience level!

 

I must congratulate you on having lived a very clean life then.

 

I only wish...

 

To register for a product, I believe, is a crock. I have not yet registerd for XP or any product on my computer. The only benefits I have found from registering is that you can get support for * many months. Half the time the support they give you doesn't even help out. I have seen people get illegal copies of software and get around the registration. It's not hard.

Fiveball

 

and furthermore...

Oh no! There's a knocking at my door! Yikes! it's the MS Police!
They're saying ''Just hand over to us your hard drive and we'll return your family to you. "

Keep EM! You greedmongers, they're all infected with those 'Outlook' viruses and Trojans anyway's, they're doomed!

As for MY HardDrive, NO WAY!!!!! What once were your apps and operating systems have now been cleaned of all that excess garbage, reggie ****, and have been purified!!! They are mine now!

No kid, you got it all wrong, your the property of MS! You have no rights, you own nothing, we just want you to think you do.

Alright, I'll come out, just let me use the bathroom.

NO!

Have it your way! yuk ity yuk yuk..

 

Keith - have you been reading George Orwell books again?

 

Brett - you bad person. You posted a link to the "L" word OS.

Now I want you to say:

I love Microsoft.
I love my Uncle Bill.
Linux is an abomination.
(repeat as needed until the urge to switch passes)

 

I'm sorry. It was a moment of weakness. I'll resist future temptations and shan't mention *n ever again