Microsoft Windows XP Vs. DELL Microsoft Windows XP

Question

Some friend's and I where discussing a guys new DELL computer. With it he got a "DELL" Windows XP disc.

He was saying it's an exact XP disc with a different lable. Another said a regular MS XP comes with just about all the drivers that where out at the time of release, where the DELL Disc only has the drivers that come on a DELL computer.

Most thought it was a Windows XP Disc with a different lable. The problem with that is, I noticed the DELL install has a "DELL" Icon on the desktop AND there is a "DELL" in the Favorits. How could it be the same with a different lable if it puts a DELL icon on the desktop and in the favorits? (I got him on that one!!!).

How can we find out what all the difference is between a "DELL" Microsoft Windows XP, and a Microsoft Windows XP?

Since we where talking about this, I have been asking any good tec I come accross. I have found out that most all that coment are commenting on what they "THINK", not what is right. How can I find out what's different if everybody who comments is saying what they "think?".

Denny Denham · Answer

Lee Oswald,

The operating system on a Dell Reinstallation CD for Windows XP is exactly the same as on a retail Windows XP CD. A Dell XP CD is linked to a Dell BIOS, so it cannot be installed on a non-Dell system (which doesn't matter, since any OEM operating system CD is licensed only for the computer on which it was originally installed). The Dell CD does come with some Dell-specific items (a Dell folder will be installed when the OS is installed, for example).

If you post a question in this forum (which is used by users, not Dell technicians, for the most part) and someone responds with what they "think" and not what is fact, you can be assured that someone will be along shortly thereafter presenting the facts. You will find a great amount of knowledge among many of the participants here (and significantly more than among many of the first-level technicians you may encounter).

Lee Oswald · Answer

My Dad got Reinstalation Discs with his laptop. The one my firend got is a DELL Windows XP. That means there is Microsoft Windows XP, DELL Microsoft Windows XP, and Dell Windows XP Reinstall Discs.

gryjhnhpe · Answer

If you want to compare Disks just insert CD with Shift key pressed to stop auto play then use "My Computer" , right click on CD Drive & select Explore..

My DELL Drivers are on a separate CD called Drivers & Utilities (Resource)

Message Edited by gryjhnhpe on 12-05-2003 04:26 PM

fireberd · Answer

Almost all PC vendors supply the Windows restore/installation CD labeled with their name on it. As was mentioned, other than some vendor ADDED items such as Dell's setup looking for the Dell ID, the only difference is the Vendor (OEM) version is supported by the Vendor and the Retail "Microsoft" Windows version is supported by Microsoft.

If you would have bought a Gateway it would have come with a Gateway OEM version of Windows XP for restore/installation. If you bought an IBM, the same way, etc.

msgale · Answer

Unfortunely there is no way to determine which response is correct and which is not. The numbrs of posts on one side or the other is meanenless (hope I spelled that correctly).  The 'giggle test' does not work either.  I remember one long thread where two people had diametricly opposing views, it was finally settled were each poster actually tried their solution, only then did the correct answer become obvious.  Things that mean nothing, my opinion, number of posts, average number of stars, number of PC owned, and Certifications.  I know the last one will raise some peoples ire, but since you can learn enough tho be certified in six months, all I think you really learn is to past the test.

Lee Oswald · Answer

'If you would have bought a Gateway it would have come with a Gateway OEM version of Windows XP for restore/installation.  If you bought an IBM, the same way, etc.'  The 'restore' disc looks totally different then the Windows XP for DELL Disc.

JRosenfeld · Answer

Whilst I agree mostly with what msgale says, after reading posts from various contributors over time, I do find myself trusting some more than others... no names no packdrill.

Lee Oswald · Answer

More people who I can count on both hands have tried othe brands on different computers and just abut every one works. Even no problem actvating them. We where wondering if there was a difference.

Jake02324 · Answer

And what is the enterchangability between the manufactures ???Try it!

Windows General

Microsoft Windows XP Vs. DELL Microsoft Windows XP

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