Installation of XP Home from Dell onto another machine?

[Les]

Hello,

I had purchased a Dell XP Home machine a while back, and I installed over it a legitimate copy of XP Pro. I wish to build a SFF machine (and wanting to save money), and I was wondering if I can install the original XP Home that came with the DELL onto the new machine? Am I breaking any licensing rules here? And if indeed there is no problem, can I upgrade (from DELL or others) the original HOME to a PRO? Your answers would be much appreciated.

I thank you in advance.

Les

 

[MrChad]

No. Your Dell CD will only install on a Dell.

 

[Les]

Thanks much for the quick reply.

I see that that solution does not bode well for me. How about if I go back to the XP Home on the Dell and install the XP PRO (which has already been registered with MS using the old DELL) on the new SFF machine? Will I have to call up Microsoft and give them an explanation? Or, once XP is tied to a machine, it's a done deal?

Thanks once again.

Les

 

[MrChad]

As long as you remove XP Pro from your Dell, you should be able to install it on your new SFF. You may need to call Microsoft if internet activation fails, but they are open 24/7 and are usually very friendly about these kinds of situations.

 

[jamesbond007]

IIRC, if your Pro copy is OEM, you're screwed. I am not sure about educational editions, but I think Retail ones can be moved from one box to another in compliance with the EULA provided by Microsoft.

 

[dev0lution]

You may have to creatively explain to Microsoft over the phone why they should reset your activation on the XP Home so you can slap it on the SFF box. For the other option, if the XP Pro copy you have is retail there shouldn't be problem installing it on the SFF box as long as you reinstall and activate the XP Home back on the Dell.

 

[Les]

The XP PRO is "ONLY TO BE DISTRIBUTED WITH A NEW PC" version. Is this an OEM version? So, I can't move this OS to another machine per the EULA?
Also, is it fairly easy to downgrade XP PRO to a HOME version?

You see, I'm trying desperately to save over $200 by not needing to purchase another copy of XP Pro. It's the only way to make a SFF system worthwhile, costwise. A new Dell is just too cheap, otherwise.

Thanks once again for your help.

Les

 

[imported_Kensai]

Yup, it's an OEM. Also you'll need to only have that copy running on one system.

 

[Les]

Thanks once again to everyone.

I noticed that one can get Windows XP Pro for something like $100 on Pricewatch. Are these legitimate products? Or too good to be true...

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: Les
Thanks once again to everyone.

I noticed that one can get Windows XP Pro for something like $100 on Pricewatch. Are these legitimate products? Or too good to be true...

They may be academic versions, which do sell legitimately for $100, but you need to be a student to use them. I would buy it from a reputable dealer like Newegg or Zip Zoom Fly regardless.

 

[pxc]

Originally posted by: MrChad
No. Your Dell CD will only install on a Dell.

That is incorrect. The disc will install fine on non-Dell systems. I have done it.

The only difference is the disc has been modified to create a DELL directory with 3 small files in it (1 htm, 1 gif and 1 jpg). The OS license says you can't install it on another system, but the disc and key doesn't prevent it in any way.

Activating it online isn't a problem either. I would go more into the activation part, but that information is more useful to someone who is trying to cheat (not what Les is trying to do... that's fine, IMO. I've done the same thing).