Question about installing windows to new PC off old disk

[bluefugue]

I have used my old WinXP disk to install the OS on the new PC I just built. I am wondering if something will happen if I try to activate it online. Does Microsoft keep some kind of database of PCs activated with each Windows copy? I have reinstalled Windows several times on the old PC I've been using, and each time it activates and that's just the end of the story. But I've never had the same version of WinXP running simultaneously on two different systems, nor have I activated it off this disk with a different core PC configuration.

If I activate this copy of WinXP on the new rig, I am wondering if the different system config will set off some sort of alarm bell at Redmond and men in dark coats will come to take me away. Or if I can run them both ok, or what. Just not sure how this works, and not too keen on buying the OS all over again for a new box.

Anyone who knows how this stuff works, advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[stiffler]

You are only allowed to use your copy of WinXP on one system at a time.  If you want to use it on two machines simultaneously then you are required to purchase another license.  

I honestly have no idea what would happen were you try to activate the same key on two machines.  When the activation detects a completely new system configuration then it might prompt you to call the 800 number to activate it.

I have no idea how they plan on detecting the same key being used on two different configurations, but I would imagine you will find out when you try to run Windows Update.

Obviously if you don't plan on using the old system anymore you can transfer the license to the new machine without much trouble.  Microsoft just doesn't want you using the same key on several different machines at one time.

[bluefugue]

Yeah, I don't want to use it on two machines, just to transfer it.

[stiffler]

Yeah, I don't want to use it on two machines, just to transfer it.

Then no problem, aside from MAYBE having to call the 800 number.