It is unclear what you want to do. Do you want to buy a new computer without a monitor or a new processor (CPU)? Certainly you can order a computer from Dell without a monitor and with very little software, but you cannot order a computer without an operating system and you cannot use your current copy of windows xp on the new machine.

robnalex

Thanks for your get-back. My definition of the "box" is that it contains all the electronic hardware & parts which constitute a new Dimension 8300. I think you're telling me I can buy just the new box. However, I must buy the operating system and XP software and can't just transfer my existing XP software to the new machine. Sound right? Thanks.

SelectNF-

I don't know what you mean by 'XP software', but any software installed on your current computer can be installed on the new one except for the Windows operating system. You cannot order a computer online from Dell without a Windows operating system, and even if you could, you would still need a new copy of the OS for the new machine.

Rob

Like Windows XP, most of the software installed on new Dells is OEM and licensed only for that computer. This includes the office suite. It is possible to buy a Dell without an OS -- many people buy Poweredge 400SC servers. They are basically Dimension 8300s with PCI video (there is an AGP slot that isn't supported but works) and the ability to support ECC RAM. The price is usually less than a Dimension 8300 and the support is US based. Some desktop systems are available in "N" versions with no software, however they are low-end systems, no Dimension 8300s.

Thanks Talmy

Since I'm one of the great technically unwashed, it appears my my best bet is to just buy a new 8300 equipped with the office suite versus the server. Minus keyboard and monitor, of course. Thanks for your help.

 

 

 

Product Activation does not allow you to move XP or software from one machine to another.

I dont think Dell sells Bare machines without an OS.

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@speedstep wrote:
I dont think Dell sells Bare machines without an OS.

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Dell desktop systems without installed OSes
Low cost servers without installed OSes

Heck, you could just buy an 8300 mb, a new CPU, and DDR Ram, and you'd likely be set.  The case is identical....