Should this have been locked?

[puggit]

http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.

As I see it the OP was requesting a licence key from someone who no longer needed it. He was not requesting a cracked version or a dodgy licence key.

[Big Al.]

OK point taken, but I'm not still not sure how one re-registers a bought copy?

I'll re-open it if need be, convince me otherwise please.

[touching cloth]

Think it is legit to resell a retail version if it has been uninstalled from or never yet installed on a PC. OEM versions that come pre-installed on packaged up Pc's cannot be transferred from PC to PC regardless of whether they are un-installed or not. From looking at the thread I would say the OP is in fact looking to do things to the letter of the law, being that it is for friends child - he states he already has a volume licence copy installed but realises this is no good and could cause problems in the future so wants it to be kosher. Least that is my take on it.

[puggit]

Here you go Big Al:

www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/eula.mspx

Microsoft EULA said:

13. SOFTWARE TRANSFER. Internal. You may move the Software to a different Workstation Computer. After the transfer, you must completely remove the Software from the former Workstation Computer. Transfer to Third Party. The initial user of the Software may make a one-time permanent transfer of this EULA and Software to another end user, provided the initial user retains no copies of the Software. This transfer must include all of the Software (including all component parts, the media and printed materials, any upgrades, this EULA, and, if applicable, the Certificate of Authenticity). The transfer may not be an indirect transfer, such as a consignment. Prior to the transfer, the end user receiving the Software must agree to all the EULA terms.

Looks legit to me. I certainly wasn't having a go, as I was unsure of the legalities myself before checking!

[Big Al.]

Opps sorry guy's I got it wrong.

Please excuse my ignorance!