? about MS activation

[jmebonner]

I have a Dell computer that I'm going to install Windows 2000 on, but I want to use the XP on a computer I just built. IS this possible?
I put the dell cd in my computer and it installs, then asks for the ms activation stuff, giving me 30 days to activate. I can call 'em and ask, but I thought I'd check here first.
I really have no way of proving the purchase of the dell, or proving it's been removed from this system. Am I making sense?

Thanks!
jme

[nukes]

Normally OEMs are BIOS locked. So it may not work. Just try activating over the internet and see what happens. They're hardly going to come round your house and shout at you. 8-)

[jmebonner]

okay, I'll hook it up to the internet and give it a shot here in a minute, thanks

I have done this many times, James. Forgot to mention it on the phone this morning.

I got a Dell with windows xp Pro and all the Dell garbage. I booted with a windows 2000 disk and set the Dell up with the software I wanted, using some of the Dell disks for drivers. OK. So the Dell was set up.

Now, I had the Dell OEM Windows XP Pro disk also which came with the system. So I installed that on a home-built PC, the kind you build. Same situation--it installed perfectly, without even my having to key in the CD key. It then gave the 30 day activation notice and I activated it without a problem.

Another time, I had a situation where I had substantially changed the hardware and it wouldn't activate. So I called them up on the toll free number which pops up and explained to them that I had made some changes and they gave me a new code and it got activated.

I believe if you don't do this too often they don't mind. Also, in about 4 or 6 months, it resets and even if major hardware changes are made it just activates via internet. Overall, activation is pretty straightforward and they are lenient towards it.

But I still prefer my corporate version which needs no activation.

[jmebonner]

Worked like a champ! Only took a minute or two, now if I could solve this stupid other problem.....