Using 'non-Dell' WinXP

Question

Hi everyone!   Does anyone have a (non-biased, if possible) opinion regarding the WinXP-system included with (most or all new) Dell-pcs? As you may or may not know, this is a special 'Dell'-version of the OS. I'm curious about:   1) What exactly is 'Dell System Software' and what does it do anyways? Do I *hafta* install it? 2) Does anyone have experience using 'ordinary' WinXP on Dell PC?   Yeah. Any viewpoints r welcome.     jOn (nOrway)

Denny Denham · Answer

dDoppelzimmer,

The Dell copy of XP furnished on CD is precisely a copy of Windows XP, nothing more and nothing less, exactly as you would get if you purchased a retail copy. If you choose to do so, you can install a "non-Dell" copy of XP on the computer.

None of my Dells have included Dell System Software, so someone else will have to comment on it.

msgale · Answer

'As you may or may not know, this is a special 'Dell'-version of the OS. I'm curious about:' - This not actually true, it is an OEM version with OEM modifications.  To your second point, my three PCs all have Windows XP/SP2 loaded from retail versions of Windows XP (not an OEM versions)

RoHe · Answer

About the only difference I know between Dell's OEM version of XP and Retail XP is the OEM version is supposed to check to make sure it's being installed on a Dell PC. It's not supposed to not allow you to install it on a non-Dell PC.

Dell Desktop System Software is essential software that typically is required for proper function of some installed hardware features such as USB. Or it may fix some problems with the way some hardware or software was created. For example, one updated version of DSS for the Dimension 8400 fixed some USB issues, and the most recent one suppresses an irrelevant XP error message. It's essential to reinstall DSS whenever you reformat the hard drive, assuming DSS is available for that model PC.

Ron

dDoppelzimmer · Answer

hi again,     thank you for insightful comments! I guess the conclusion is that I don't need the Dell WXP, but I do need the DSS... Just as I suspected.     dD

msgale · Answer

In my case, I never found the need to load any Dell software.  I did have to load  a Canon Printer driver (i560) and a driver for a Linksys driver for a wireless USB device.

ChocolateHobNob · Answer

Dell System Software on notebooks provides support for docks and usb devices.  My d-dock would not work on my Latitude until I installed it.  On desktops, I think it is mostly for external usb devices and stuff   Dell OS CDs for the precision 380 contains the RAID drivers slipstreamed into the OS, the Microsoft version doesnt, and you need to install the drivers on install from a floppy.   Hope this helps

Windows General

Using "non-Dell" WinXP

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