Is it possible?

Question

Hi;:smileyhappy:  I had a Dell Dimension 8100 with Windows XP HE.   I now have a new Dell Dimension 5150 with Windows XP Media Centre  2005 which I don't like. My question: is it possible to use my Windows XP  Home Edition installation disk from my 8100 Dimension and install  it on my new 5150 Dell as my OS? :smileyindifferent:

lambo2 · Answer

Thank you Rick for that quick reply, you saved me a lot of trouble. :smileyhappy:

rickmktg · Answer

@lambo2 wrote:

Hi;:smileyhappy:

I had a Dell Dimension 8100 with Windows XP HE.

I now have a new Dell Dimension 5150 with Windows XP Media Centre

2005 which I don't like. My question: is it possible to use my Windows XP

Home Edition installation disk from my 8100 Dimension and install

it on my new 5150 Dell as my OS? :smileyindifferent:

In the future, by using the Advanced Forum Search on the bottom of this page, you can quite easily find the answer to this often asked question.

No. That's a violation of the license agreement and illegal.

THeinrich · Answer

I have both Operating Systems and actually like them both. My recommendation would be to Purchase the XP Home Edition complete (Not Upgrade), which I recently did for $79. Your PC's probably came with an OEM install of the OS on them, which means the disk you have is a Restore only of the System you have. During my DSL setup I crashed my System and was informed by the Verizon Tech Support that purchasing a Full version of the OS Software is a Great Practice as it makes recovery much easier. After my Purchase I now have my own Licensed copy that I can use to restore and reload all drivers without the worry of Breaking the Law.

rickmktg · Answer

@THeinrich wrote:

I have both Operating Systems and actually like them both. My recommendation would be to Purchase the XP Home Edition complete (Not Upgrade), which I recently did for $79. Your PC's probably came with an OEM install of the OS on them, which means the disk you have is a Restore only of the System you have. During my DSL setup I crashed my System and was informed by the Verizon Tech Support that purchasing a Full version of the OS Software is a Great Practice as it makes recovery much easier. After my Purchase I now have my own Licensed copy that I can use to restore and reload all drivers without the worry of Breaking the Law.

You were given improper advice from Verizon since the Dell OEM CD is a full copy of OEM Windows, it is NOT a restore disk.

ricky_bennett · Answer

hey just wondering do you have to call microsoft after installing it 5 times to reset the key code with the retail copy ??

and thay need to put windows MCE out on retail

Message Edited by ricky_bennett on 09-11-200608:22 AM

THeinrich · Answer

Thanks Rick, I was not aware that the OEM version of WinXP was a Standard Full Copy.

rickmktg · Answer

@THeinrich wrote:

Thanks Rick,

I was not aware that the OEM version of WinXP was a Standard Full Copy.

Only difference is that it's locked to Dell bios. Further, the ONLY difference between a retail FULL version and retail UPGRADE version is that the upgrade wants you to insert a prior version of XP to prove upgrade qualification.

Glad to help.

lambo2 · Answer

Sorry Rickmktg, but my Windows XP HE disk is an upgrade, complete with product key number and not a full copy.

rickmktg · Answer

@lambo2 wrote:

Sorry Rickmktg, but my Windows XP HE disk is an upgrade, complete with product key

number and not a full copy.

There is NO difference between an "upgrade" version and a "full" version except that the upgrade version requires a prior version of Windows, on CD, to validate the install. Both types allow you to do a CLEAN installation of Windows XP, they are functionally IDENTICAL.

Windows General

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