OEM Windows

[cotswoldcs]

How do u partition ure hard drive without formating or whatever?

I would recommend formatting but the only way of partitioning without formatting is using software such as Acronis Disk Director or Partition Magic. I would recommend Acronis

[directhex]

I would recommend formatting but the only way of partitioning without formatting is using software such as Acronis Disk Director or Partition Magic. I would recommend Acronis

gparted.sf.net

[Kumagoro]

If the OEM version is from the last couple of years then you probably cant
activate it as it wont accept activation. If its older you can install it on
another machine and activate it.

I have old OEM versions of XP and thats what I do. The only problem is if
you activate it too often like a few times in 6 months it will lock it out from
online activation and you need to phone them up. So what you do is install
XP update it all then activate it. Then use acronis to create a recovery image
to your Hard disk and or CD's

(why is it you cant do it to a DVD? I know you can copy the HDD image but you know)

That way when you need to do a reinstall you wont have to activate it.

The only floor in this genius plan is upgrades which kick up for activation
again. But its ok as long as you dont have to activate often. try and keep
it to once every 6 months max.

[BlindMelon7]

The problem was that I was using the copy of windows on my current computer but wanted to put the same copy on another computer aswell. I just bought an oem copy anyway so it doesn't matter anymore.

[BlindMelon7]

I would recommend formatting but the only way of partitioning without formatting is using software such as Acronis Disk Director or Partition Magic. I would recommend Acronis

If you recomend formating I might just wait until I get a new hard drive and back all my stuff up on that.