I have a Dell computer, and i'm planning to build a core 2 duo computer. can i use my dell winxp cd to install winxp on the new comp, or is winxp on the hd and i just can transfer it over to the new hd, or do i need to get a new one?
Do i need a new copy of WinXP?
- Thread starter brianlam425
- Start date
Get a new one. Dell's versions are for Dell computers only, as far as I know. And you can't just place old HDD in new rig.
awww...that sucks....guess i'll have to wait, since i have a fairly low budget
what about linux? since its free, could i use that instead of winxp?
what about linux? since its free, could i use that instead of winxp?
I a Dell disk from work and can install it on anything I build. I install it for a week or so to run benchmarks and check if the hardware is stable. Then I wipe it and install Linux, usually Ubuntu.
If you install it, but it is already licensed to another PC, and you install it permanently, you will need to register it again. This means you will need to tell Bill Gates why you want to use it again. That's why they have the M$ spyware update system.
M$ was ok the last time I updated the computer, it locked up and said I made "too many cahnges". I called and was just honest and told them what I was doing. It is time to retire my 5+ year old AMD XP 1600 WinXP machine too. I'll likely do it again.
If you install it, but it is already licensed to another PC, and you install it permanently, you will need to register it again. This means you will need to tell Bill Gates why you want to use it again. That's why they have the M$ spyware update system.
M$ was ok the last time I updated the computer, it locked up and said I made "too many cahnges". I called and was just honest and told them what I was doing. It is time to retire my 5+ year old AMD XP 1600 WinXP machine too. I'll likely do it again.
so all i need to do is tell them i made too many changes? or can i avoid it if i uninstall it on my current dell?
pcgeek11
Lifer
- Jun 12, 2005
- 22,229
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Dell OEM copy of XP is tied to the motherboard of the Dell PC it came with legally speaking... So no you cannot due to the EULA use that copy on any PC other than the original one that it came installed on. Now sometimes.... Microsoft will allow what you want to do ( delete the OS from the Dell PC and install it on your home brew PC ), but you will have to call Microsoft and get the authorization code, that is if they allow it. I have heard that they are tightening up on this practice so it would be a crap shoot.
I recommend that you find a cheap OEM copy from New Egg or something and avoid the hassles.
pcgeek11
When I bought my Dell laptop (9300) I called and told them I needed all the disks because I needed to wipe the hard drive and install just what I needed. They sent me all the OEM disks in the mail including the OS (WinXP). I did call them the first week I had the laptop though.
- Nov 30, 2005
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I did the same thing, though it was almost a year after I bought the laptop. They sent me all the discs no problem.
I have tried installing the Dell copy of XP I have on my main rig (just to test the hard drive) and the biggest annoyance I found was that I could not get into the recovery console due to a Dell administrator password being in place. Not sure if they would have given it to me if I had called.
Not a huge deal since I buoght a real copy of XP Pro for my new pc, but something I thought was worth mentioning.
so i'll try using my dell copy. if that doesn't work, i'll call M$. and if that doesnt work, i can download linux for free instead?
yes ubuntu and most linux distros are free, you can let em send you copies of it or download the disc iso's. if they mail them expect to wait a while as it can take 4+ weeks to get to you
Linux is COMPLETELY different from windows. At first you'll boot up Ubuntu, for an example, and say "Oh, this doesn't look so bad."
Installing Ubuntu alone gives you basic things...GIMP, Open Office, Firefox, gaim, and other useful programs. So straight from installation it's very usable, and easy to use...
It's easy to use until you want to actually start using it...because then everything is based around the command prompt...
You'll spend many many hours trying to get extra things working on Linux, and you'll eventually learn a lot about the command prompt.
But for a possible temporary OS, if you use it for basic things like the internet, office, aim, etc, it is great! Any extra stuff requires a lot of research and work. You'll also notice that if you try to do anything through the windows (like, lets say you want to move a file to another foler), you likely will not have permission. You are not set as root (the user that has completely control of everything) originally, so you either run everything through commands (which allows you to "become root" through the commands) or you make yourself root somehow. You'll just notice how limited you are without the command prompt.
Linux can be very difficult to work with...but you might as well use it.
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