Is Windows XP Key Transferable and Can It Be Sold?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the transferability and resale of Windows XP keys, focusing on the implications of different types of licenses (OEM vs. retail) and the potential issues that may arise when selling a computer with the operating system included. The scope includes legal considerations, user experiences, and practical advice regarding the sale of software licenses.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that OEM licenses are tied to the original computer and cannot be transferred, while retail licenses may allow for resale.
  • One participant suggests that including Windows XP in the sale price depends on the buyer's willingness to pay.
  • Concerns are raised about potential confusion for buyers who may not understand that the operating system is separate from the hardware.
  • Another participant shares a personal experience regarding the installation of XP and the acquisition of an additional license, though the timeline is unclear.
  • Participants discuss how to identify the type of license by checking the registration details of the operating system.
  • There is a suggestion that the name associated with the license may not significantly impact the ability to sell it.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the distinction between OEM and retail licenses, but there is no consensus on the implications of including the operating system in the sale or the best approach to take when selling a computer with Windows XP.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of clarity on the specific terms of the EULA for different license types and the potential for misunderstandings among buyers regarding software ownership.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering selling computers with Windows XP, those interested in understanding software licensing, and users navigating the resale of operating systems.

haki
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I own a legal(ofcorse) Win XP key but I don't need it anymore, may I sell it? Reason being, I am thinking of selling my desktop, just wondering should I include win xp in the price or format the drive entirely?
 
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It depends on what type of XP license you have. The OEM versions are tied to the specific computer it was originally installed on (for examples the ones that come preinstalled on Dell). Or if you bought an OEM copy yourself, then it is bound to the first computer you install it on (according to the EULA atleast).

If however, you bought a retail-box version, then as far as I know, you have full rights to do whatever you want with that license.

As for if you should include Windows in the price, that depends on how willing your buyer is to pay =P
 
If you include it in the computer's price, you may encounter problems if the person is computer illiterate. You'd be surprised by how many people have no idea that the operating system isn't actually burned into the computer and is actually installed and bought separately from the hardware. lol

Like mezarashi said, you can sell it, just don't retain a copy of the cd and cd key for yourself or you'll get the key banned when you both use your computers.
 
We purchased another license which is much cheaper than re-buying though I can remember installing xp on our laptop and not having any problems but i can't remember if it was before or after we got the extra license-probably after
 
Just find your license to see which is which.

Just hold down you ALT key, then double click on "My Computer." Under "Registered to:" It should have the name and cd key below that.
 
Thanks for the input. Argh, registered to: <my name>. That isn't very good or is it? I have no intention to use the key of the PC, my laptop has its own legal cd key.
 
If the cd key looks something like "323-OEM-34324-32423" then that is not good, because it's an OEM copy. But if it looks something like "342-234-324-234" then there shouldn't be any problems.

I don't think it really matters who it says it's licensed to.
 
Ok, thanks there are just numbers.
 

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