Will my XP cd work with another Computer???

hoodaman

To use a Dell OEM reinstallation disc, on a different system, it needs to be the same flavour of windows, that was factory installed.

Bev.


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So you're saying that if I bought a new computer with Vista, I would not be able to use my Dell OEM XP cd to reinstall XP? Say I booted from cd drive and stuck the OEM XP cd in there. What would happen?

Thanks a lot 

That's correct...  Your XP license is already tied to your present computer. The new computer comes with Vista, and that Vista license is tied to that new computer.

 

So to put XP on the new computer, you would need purchase a new copy of Windows XP....:smileyhappy:

hoodaman

You would not be able to activate it.

Bev.


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Thanks a lot for the help. I think what I will do is buy a new Dell laptop and then use my Xp cd from my desktop for it. It is a full XP cd not an OEM.

Thanks again 

hoodaman

You may need to call MicroSoft to activate it.     :smileywink:

Bev.


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some do and some don't, i've used the XP cd that came with my dell(labeled dell i might add) on a few HP's and it installed and activated without a hitch it's not a recovery cd it's the OS alone

This isn't really a question of whether you are physically able to install XP, but more a question of whether it is legal to do so.

 

Hypothetically speaking, you can install a Dell branded OS on a Dell branded PC regardless of whether it is the disc that it shipped with, or even the OS that it shipped with (I have a special commercial agreement with Microsoft so I do this all the time). The main requirement is that the PC have a boot capable CD drive.

HOWEVER, it would not be legal for you to install the copy of XP that came with your old PC on to your new Vista PC because  the OEM agreement that you entered into with Dell when you purchased your PC means that your copy of XP is tied to the old PC. When the PC dies XP ties, too.

 

You "may" be able to regegister your copy of XP from one Pc to the other (But not both), though this would depend on your situation.

Wow. Really good information here. I appreciate it. I guess then I have nothing to lose by getting my new laptop and trying the OEM cd, and if that doesn't work I always have my real xp cd.

You have a "real" (Non OEM) XP CD? So long as that CD hasn't been installed anywhere else, you should use it. You may have trouble with the OEM XP CD it's best to check with Microsoft whether you can move it from one machine to the other.

Yes I do also have a non OEM XP cd. It is being currently used on my desktop pc right now. I called microsoft about the issue and they said that it should work installing the OEM cd but they weren't sure. They told me to talk to Dell. But I spoke with 2 Dell technicians and one of them said that it would work and one of them said that it wouldn't. Microsoft did however say that if it didn't work to call them and that maybe they would be able to help.

Hoodaman,

Before you do anything you should look at the Drivers and Download page to see if there are even XP drivers available for the laptop you are thinking of purchasing.

 

To answer your question: Yes you can use any Dell OS disc on any Dell computer and it will install just fine and will not require activation. The problem you have is that you will be buying a new laptop with Vista and you will have a license for Vista, You will not be legally licensed to run XP on it with what you are wanting to do. You may be able to get Microsoft to get you a COA for XP as a downgrade option but I would not count on it, I have only known 1 person that was able to pull that off.

 

If you want to stay 100% legal then you need to get a new unused copy of XP wether it be a Retail or OEM copy. If you do not care about being legal yes it will work.

 

So with this info you have gotten from all of us you need to decide what your conscience will allow you to do.

dcgtls, as a business user I can easily get my hands on as many copies of XP as I like, but I'd have no idea where to get one as a private consumer other than looking for a used copy on eBay which is fraught with peril. Where can a private individual actually buy XP these days? Do you know any retailers who sell it any more?

I just looked on www.newegg.com  www.Frys.com  www.zipzoomfly.com  and they are all still selling XP.  You are looking at between $100 - $140 depending on which version you decide to buy.

My laptop is on it's way! I ordered an xps 1530 I believe. I will probably go ahead with the install of the Dell OEM XP cd i have. I got the impression from talking with microsoft that they might actually give me a new COA. Their exact words were "Go ahead and try the OEM cd and call us if you have any problems". I will post back when I have gone through with this.