Using Os Disk On Different Computer

[hc4361]

I have Windows 8.0 Pro disks (not the upgrade disks) which I installed on this pc.

I am about to buy a second pc without an OS and want to install W8 on this one instead of the old one.

Is this possible?

[Old_Geezer]

Not an expert but I think you have to jump through various MS hoops to legally move an operating system licensed on the original PC, to another.

[sunny-dave]

It'll work just fine - you may (possibly) have to ring Microsoft's automated helpline to get the OS verified on the new machine, but it probably won't even do that.

[hc4361]

Fab.

[VHG]

I think both answers given are wrong.

There are two main packaging types for Windows: OEM and Retail.

OEM is for installing on new PCs and once OEM Windows is installed on a PC it cant ever (legally) be moved to another PC. If the PC "dies" the OEM copy of Windows on it dies.

Retail Windows can only ever be installed on one PC at a time, but it CAN be moved from one PC to another, as long as you uninstall it from the first PC before you install it on the second PC.

So it really depends what package of Windows you have, OEM or Retail.

OEM CANNOT be moved, Retail CAN.

[sunny-dave]

Whatever the legal technicalities, VHG, I'm working from actual experience.

The worst that's ever happened to me (with OEM or retail copies of Windows) is a requirement to call a Microsoft 0800 number & push a few buttons to verify the number of PCs the software is installed on.

Most times even that isn't needed - it just installs cleanly, registers itself & is fine.