Win2k License Question

[TaylorD]

I have a Dell Laptop with Win2k on it (bought Win2k with the laptop, from Dell)
If I sell the laptop with a newly installed (legal) windows XP, and then keep the Win2k and COA for myself, can I use it (legally speaking?) There will be no Win2k on the laptop when it is sold.

Unfortunately Dell's win2k install CD says it can only be installed on a Dell PC. Did I pay extra for Win2k and get a copy I can use only on that Dell laptop?

 

[crazydave]

I'm guessing no, since the Win2k you got w/your laptop was an OEM copy--often those copies only work on Dell machines I think. But I'm not an expert on this... I know if the WinXP you replaced the 2000 with was a retail copy (not an upgrade) then you should be able to use the 2000 on another machine. But I don't know how it works with the OEM copies.

 

[TaylorD]

yeah, the xp was a full retail copy, not an upgrade

 

[Thor86]

The only thing that matters for OEM software is that the MS sticker with the product ID is off the laptop (somehow, since they are pretty much impossbile to remove without destroying them).

 

[TaylorD]

Well, I got the sticker off, and it is mildly destroyed but I have the number...

the problem is that when i put the dell win2k disc in the desktop (which i bought XP for, but dont want XP on it anymore) it says this copy can only be installed on dell computers...

 

[bozo1]

OEM Windows sold with a PC is only licensed for use on that PC. It can't be sold, transferred, etc. Most versions of Dell's OEM OS's check for a Dell BIOS.

 

[Workin']

the problem is that when i put the dell win2k disc in the desktop (which i bought XP for, but dont want XP on it anymore) it says this copy can only be installed on dell computers...

Looks like you got your answer right there....

You didn't buy a "full retail copy" of Win2k - you bought a "Dell OEM" copy.

 

[dbwillis]

Is the Dell CD a windows one or is it a dell image one for that model laptop? IE it might be a restore image?
Yeh, those stickers are a pita to remove..

 

[TaylorD]

no, its a win2k install disc, not an image or restore disc (it only installs win2k, no drivers or programs)

If indeed I am unable to use this Win2k on another pc I guess I have learned a lesson... why would anyone in their right mind buy win2k from dell if you can't use it on whatever one computer you want to?

 

[Gepost]

If you do a search on the Internet, you should find that by replacing several files, you can use the Dell software on another computer. I think it is the Precopy.cab file, or something like that. I would not tell you this, except I think you have a legal copy of W2K since you installed a full, retail version of XP.