Is there any way to uninstall Windows XP?

Iron Chef · 05-16-03, 10:20 AM

Here's the deal.

Last year, my ex girlfriend got me an academic copy of Windows XP Pro (full version - not the upgrade) through the University of Wisconsin. A few days ago she recieved an email from UW announcing that UW has changed its license agreements with Microsoft:

Quote:

If you wish to continue using Windows and Office, you must purchase a buyout license, which will legalize ongoing use of those products. The reduced-price buyout licenses will be available through 6/15/03 for a price of $45.00. (Price will be $60.00 after 6/15/03.) If you choose not to purchase a buyout license, you must remove the software from your computer no later than July 31, 2003. See WISC Products page, "New and Ongoing Students" button:

She now lives in Pennsylvania, and told me that she can't help me with this one. (That's a longer story.) I can't buy it out, myself because I have no ties to UW anymore.

So, what are my options?

1) Am I screwed?

2) Can I uninstall Windows XP, and install a retail version?

3) Can I get out of this mess that I put myself in, by buying a license through Microsoft?

Any help would be appreciated.

Iron Chef · 05-16-03, 10:21 AM

Let's keep the suggestions legal.

AndyCapps · 05-16-03, 10:39 AM

This is why you should always ignore emails from ex girlfriends.

X · 05-16-03, 10:50 AM

I think there's a very high probability she just made up the e-mail and there's no requirement to remove XP from your computer. I would only accept a direct e-mail from the university as the authority.

Iron Chef · 05-16-03, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by X
I think there's a very high probability she just made up the e-mail and there's no requirement to remove XP from your computer. I would only accept a direct e-mail from the university as the authority.

http://wiscweb5.wisc.edu/wisc//UW_Madison/st_news.html

Iron Chef · 05-16-03, 11:08 AM

I'm going to purchase the full version of XP through newegg.com.

Can I overinstall it on my system?

Brain Stew · 05-16-03, 11:12 AM

I believe it is possible to "overinstall", but I would not recommend it. Too much clutter. Personally, I would backup my essential files, and reformat and install the full version of XP on it.

Nazgul · 05-16-03, 11:47 AM

When you installed it did it require a Key or the WPA?

Iron Chef · 05-16-03, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Nazgul
When you installed it did it require a Key or the WPA?

key

goLUCKY · 05-16-03, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Students must remove those Microsoft products acquired through the current contract unless they graduate or leave the University by the time the contract expires.

Your not there anymore, so this applies to you! right?!?!?

Iron Chef · 05-16-03, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by goLUCKY
Your not there anymore, so this applies to you! right?!?!?

Not yet - still working on the dissertation.

dgmayor · 05-16-03, 03:46 PM

As long as you paid for a valid key, you should be fine with the currently installed version. They're actually not THAT strict where it must be the same key.. Hell, even leave the purchased one sealed just for kicks. You really shouldn't have anything to worry about though.

4KRG · 05-16-03, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dgmayor
As long as you paid for a valid key, you should be fine with the currently installed version. They're actually not THAT strict where it must be the same key.. Hell, even leave the purchased one sealed just for kicks. You really shouldn't have anything to worry about though.

I would agree with this (except for leaving the purchased one sealed, open it so it looks like you are not trying to resell it)

but it is not like anything will ever come of it anyway.

If you are worried search google for "Change XP KEY" and download a little utility or follow the steps to change to your current install to your new key. It is very simple.

I would not re-install over this.

Iron Chef · 05-16-03, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dgmayor
As long as you paid for a valid key, you should be fine with the currently installed version. They're actually not THAT strict where it must be the same key.. Hell, even leave the purchased one sealed just for kicks. You really shouldn't have anything to worry about though.

From what I've read in the license agreement on the Microsoft website, the burden of ensuring that the OS is uninstalled from the system owned by the expired license holder falls on the University, and not Microsoft.

I may be in the clear here.

Thanks for everyone's help.

Any further input would be welcome.

mikehunt · 05-16-03, 07:40 PM

I wouldn't worry about it unless you tried to reinstall it at some point and the key stopped working

dgmayor · 05-16-03, 09:55 PM

Only reason I say leave it sealed is so if for some strange reason it was actually checked, you'd have proof that you have a valid key that has definately not been installed elsewhere (since it's sealed).

05-16-03, 11:12 AM	#7
Brain Stew DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 8,572	I believe it is possible to "overinstall", but I would not recommend it. Too much clutter. Personally, I would backup my essential files, and reformat and install the full version of XP on it. __________________ "And if you don't underestimate me, I won't underestimate you." - Bob Dylan

05-16-03, 11:47 AM	#8
Nazgul DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Jayhawk Central, Kansas Posts: 7,016	When you installed it did it require a Key or the WPA? __________________ 2013 BuLi, CL, Pokal Meister. FC Bayern München! 2008 National Champions, Kansas Jayhawks 2010, 2012 World Series Champions, SF Giants 2008 Stanley Cup Champions, Detroit Red Wings 2008 NBA Champions, Boston Celtics

05-16-03, 07:40 PM	#15
mikehunt DVD Talk Hero Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Bartertown due to it having a better economy than where I really live, Buffalo NY Posts: 29,182	I wouldn't worry about it unless you tried to reinstall it at some point and the key stopped working __________________ USS Ben Sisko's Mother F**ing Pimp Hand - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tT2Xpfm7Iq8&feature=plcp Vote for freedom not political parties. .... MOΛΩN ΛABE If they had a philosophy. If they weren't too busy gnawing on your insides. Last edited by mikehunt; 05-16-03 at 07:43 PM.*

05-16-03, 10:21 AM	#2
Iron Chef DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: is everything Posts: 17,985	Let's keep the suggestions legal.

05-16-03, 10:39 AM	#3
AndyCapps Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Nov 1999 Posts: 8,205	This is why you should always ignore emails from ex girlfriends.

05-16-03, 10:50 AM	#4
X Administrator Join Date: Oct 1987 Location: AA- Posts: 10,218	I think there's a very high probability she just made up the e-mail and there's no requirement to remove XP from your computer. I would only accept a direct e-mail from the university as the authority.

05-16-03, 11:08 AM	#6
Iron Chef DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: is everything Posts: 17,985	I'm going to purchase the full version of XP through newegg.com. Can I overinstall it on my system?

05-16-03, 03:46 PM	#12
dgmayor DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: May 2001 Location: Cary, NC Posts: 1,984	As long as you paid for a valid key, you should be fine with the currently installed version. They're actually not THAT strict where it must be the same key.. Hell, even leave the purchased one sealed just for kicks. You really shouldn't have anything to worry about though.

05-16-03, 09:55 PM	#16
dgmayor DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: May 2001 Location: Cary, NC Posts: 1,984	Only reason I say leave it sealed is so if for some strange reason it was actually checked, you'd have proof that you have a valid key that has definately not been installed elsewhere (since it's sealed).