Using Windows XP SP2 With Dell Dimension

If you are going to buy a used Dell, you can use a Dell XP reinstallation cd from another Dell PC to reinstall the OS, perfectly legal to do so as long as you are installing the same version of XP that the COA sticker says was sold with the PC. (XP Home, Pro, or MCE)

No need to buy another software license if you Buy a used Dell PC.

I does not say OEM anywhere in the description, and I would not trust the image he used to sell it to determine this, I don't trust sellers of OS's on Ebay, no way to determine exactly what you are buying.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Microsoft-Windows-XP-Home-Edition-SP2-Full-Version_W0QQitemZ150404021163

If you need a legit OEM license, I would look for one like this, it will be labeled "OEM system builder"

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-System-Builders/dp/B0018RCADO/ref=sr_1_1/176-6767666-9124368?ie=UTF8&s=software&qid=1266179239&sr=8-1

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"No need to buy another software license if you Buy a used Dell PC"

Unless I'm missing something,  I disagree with you. I've had a lot of experience trying to use an install disc from one Dell Dimension in another. Microsoft ALWAYS requires registration/activation of a NEW OS,and they KNOW when you've used another disc. They won't let you proceed past the customary 30 days for activation.

OEM Install Discs that originally came with ONE PC are MARRIED to that PC. When the computer dies, you might as well throw out the discs.

http://www.royaldiscount.com/category/Windows_XP_Home/62 < I know these stand alone OS discs WILL work.

Like I said earlier

" as long as you are installing the same version of XP that the COA sticker says was sold with the PC."

So then it is not legal to upgrade from 98 to XP without purchasing a license.

"If so, then you're telling me if I buy a used Dimension that originally came preloaded with XP, (like an 8400),  I can use my OEM Install disc from another 8400?"

Yes

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Hey mombo

You're a good man :)

Fast accurate replies - thank you

Personally I'm not a big believer in PC's - I use my old PC's for all the everyday ordinary legwork. I'm a filmmaker and truly believe that Music and Filmwork can only be done in a Mac.

But anyway mombo, I was thinking of adding a 2nd hard drive in my 8400 for storage. The older Dimensions had some type of Bios limitation that would only allow a certain size drive. Do you know if I can add a TB drive in the 2nd bay of the 8400?

Thanx mombo

Well, I'm not questioning your experiences :)

"and will be pre activated"

'Not So' in my experiences

Believe me when I tell you; many many times, I've tried to activate the OS of an older Dell Dimension 4100 with India or whoever, and they ALWAYS question the origin of the OS Disc. Maybe this is because these PC's are so old they all originally came with 'Windows 98'?

Could this be the reason?

If so, then you're telling me if I buy a used Dimension that originally came preloaded with XP, (like an 8400),  I can use my OEM Install disc from another 8400?

Hey mombo You're a good man :) Fast accurate replies - thank you Personally I'm not a big believer in PC's - I use my old PC's for all the everyday ordinary legwork. I'm a filmmaker and truly believe that Music and Filmwork can only be done in a Mac. But anyway mombo, I was thinking of adding a 2nd hard drive in my 8400 for storage. The older Dimensions had some type of Bios limitation that would only allow a certain size drive. Do you know if I can add a TB drive in the 2nd bay of the 8400? Thanx mombo

No limitation that I know of, but you do have to enter the bios and set the sata port you intend to use to ON.

Hard to beat a MAC for that kind of work...

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