Windows XP forum: Can I sell my XP Home Edition Retail CD?

That depends... What version of Windows 7 did you buy? If it was the upgrade version, then no, because you're still technically using that XP license. If you bought the full retail version of 7, then you should be able to resell that XP disc.

Upgrade versions of Windows don't technically have a license, they just transfer the license from your old copy of Windows to the new one. So if you sold your copy of XP, you'd be selling your Windows license, and then lose your legal right to use Windows 7.

There is also the matter of XP being just a little shy of 10 years old, and already on life support. I know there are plenty of people out there who think it's the greatest bit of software Microsoft has put out ever... At least that is the opinion they adopted a year or two after it was released and the hardware had a chance to catch up with the increased demands of the OS, but the reality of the situation is that it's an aging and decrepit piece of junk that is riddled with numerous security issues which will never be fixed. Especially if you're trying to use it on anything even resembling modern hardware. If you've got an old P4 system that's one thing, but any kind of dual-core or better CPU, and the XP process scheduler is woefully ill-equipped, just for starters. So I certainly understand the desire to want to find something a good new home, and it's commendable, but when it comes to a decade old bit of software, it's probably better to mothball it.

You install it, then activate it. No muss or fuss since the retail is not limited as others are.

HOWEVER you may find folk DEMAND how to install XP. If you read http://forums.cnet.com/7726-7587_102-2699006.html you see that you want to be sure you are clear you are not going to help them install XP.

Even worse is many of today's machines have NO XP DRIVERS (ever!) And many owners go down in flames if the machine has a SATA HDD. All this is well discussed and I will not broach that subject here except to help you avoid the buyer that demands install help.
Bob

They will be offered an opportunity to activate immediately after the installation. If they don't do so, they will be "nagged" over the next 30 days to do so. If they do not comply during the allowable period, XP will no longer function.

As for "can you sell the disk", yes you can but it's up to MS to accept its reuse if it has been previously installed and activated. Personally, if the disk doesn't indicate SP1 or above, I'd consider it to be a coaster. That it's the Home and not Pro version might also be a liability so your market is limited. I'd say your best opportunity to unload it would be to find some unlucky soul who already has this version and lost their disk. They still may have their own license and PID code that would work with the disk you have as long as the volume name was the same.

I just spoke with MS Windows support by phone. Too bad for me that they don't support XP at all any longer. I can't find my own CD of XP home edition, likely due to a big home move this past year. The support guy gave me a Case Number so I can call back IF I find my copy of the XP install disk. I'm needing to upgrade an old 2006 back-up hard drive from Windoze 2000. I have a paypal account and I sell and buy on ebay. Microsoft will give me an activation code to make the old XP disk work. I have to upgrade my Win 2000 OS to Win XP then I can install my purchased version of Windows 7. Anyway, let me know if you list the CD. Susan Zimmer California

Ok, I have listed the CD on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/110897675682?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649