Migrating legal software to new computer

First timer, please be kind . . .

I purchased 2 HP 7867s a couple of years ago. They came with OS ME. I have since upgraded the two to XP Pro. I would like to use the OS ME on two other computers. HP customer service claims they can help me with installing the ME, from the restore disks, onto the other computers.
1) Does anyone know for sure if it can be done--through them it will cost
2) Is there a way to unlock the "key" that "marries" the restore disks to the particular computer without paying HP for what I have legally purchased from them and Microsoft. The ME is off the original computers, so I believe I have the legal right to use them on other computers--especially without having to pay HP again!!?? Right!!??

 

Hi welcome to MG, everyone has a first time and you're assured of kindness and warm people here!

I think that you have the right to do this as you aren't using the 2 licences of ME you have at the moment, not entirely sure but I think that's it.

Also, there are legal and illegal ways of finding out the key, I'm unsure of them though.

Good Luck

 

Just out of curiosity, how much was HP going to charge to assist you in this? The Windows keys should be on a multicolored sticker somewhere on the computer cabinet if you haven't removed them, or on the restore CD's, or the books that came with them.

If you have the actual OS cd's, then you shouldn't have a problem. Most of the restore CD's that I have dealt with are ghosted images of an original installation with drivers for that particular computer and installed hardware included. If this is your case, then it may give you a problem, as the computer motherboards, chipsets, and installed hardware will be different.