Can I do this?

Technically, if you had a computer that came with Windows XP home, chances are it was an OEM version, and for OEM versions of XP, you cannot transfer to another computer (taken from NewEgg):

Quote:

OEM versions are intended for system builders only and cannot be transferred to another PC once it is installed. Purchasers of this software are required to comply with the terms of the System Builder License, including responsibility for providing all end-user support.

That page also links to the System Builder License for Microsoft software. Now that's just saying if it was an OEM version, I don't see why it wouldn't be, but you should probabally see if you can contact someone over in the Microsoft department to be 100% sure, or if they can help you out.

You should try and get a MSDNAA copy of windows 2k, often they don't bother with proper licencing for 2k and will give you a single key in addition to your XP key. At least it's a good (legal) alternative to ME, and it's entirely possible depending on what your MS school rep puts up.

if it's retail on other hand it's completely legit:
TRANSFER—Internal. You may move the Product to a different Workstation Computer. After the transfer, you
must completely remove the Product from the former Workstation Computer. Transfer to Third Party. The initial
user of the Product may make a one-time transfer of the Product to another end user. The transfer has to include
all component parts, media, printed materials, 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
transferred Product must agree to all the EULA terms. No Rental. You may not rent, lease, lend or provide
commercial hosting services to third parties with the Product.
http://www.microsoft.com/legal/useterms/default.aspx

Quote:

Original post by daviangel if it's retail on other hand it's completely legit: TRANSFER—Internal. You may move the Product to a different Workstation Computer. After the transfer, you must completely remove the Product from the former Workstation Computer. Transfer to Third Party. The initial user of the Product may make a one-time transfer of the Product to another end user. The transfer has to include all component parts, media, printed materials, 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 transferred Product must agree to all the EULA terms. No Rental. You may not rent, lease, lend or provide commercial hosting services to third parties with the Product. http://www.microsoft.com/legal/useterms/default.aspx

this is in the eula of the copy of windows xp home that came with my laptop. Any way to honor this?

Grab a copy of WinXp Home of MSDNAA? Then you'd have a pro and home edition....would that work?

Home isn't offered on MSDNAA, looks like I'm gonna be running win2k pro, could run server 2k3 but I dunno how well it'll work with games like hl2 and Serious Sam 2.