OS question

[craigap]

I'm working on putting together my first build. I've been reading around here and I've gotten the impression that the OS (windows XP) that came with my Dell Laptop won't let me install it on the new build. Is this true that the OS disk for my Dell laptop can only be used on my laptop?

thanks

[rspassey]

You will need to purchase a new Installation Disk of XP for your new PC.

You cannot use the Dell one again, only on that laptop.

[Panama Red]

Your assumption is correct. You'll need to buy a new copy of XP to legally install it on your new build.

[glc]

Not only that, it probably will not install on anything that does not have a Dell bios.

[craigap]

I was just looking for an OS and I found XP home sp2 on newegg, but it's OEM.

What does that mean for support? Will I still get the automatic updates and things like that, or am I stuck with whatever is on that disk?

[rspassey]

You will still get automatic updates, but you will not get Microsofts telephone support. You also don't get a fancy box and huge manual.

[FireByyrd]

The Microsoft support is really unneeded, unless you don't know how to use XP... most of the knowledge base can be found on the site, so if you have USB xp issues (example), just type it in their database and it should show.

[Kuch]

I bought the OEM version of XP from Newegg. It is actually the better deal, since you don't really need all that extras anyways. All possible documentation is available on line, to include troubleshooting issues.

[Kiwi]

Before XP, the difference didn't matter as much, and I have used an OEM version of W2K through several hardware upgrades without any difficulty. The technically correct interpretation of the EULA in an OEM Windows is that the OS becomes "married" to the system you install it on first. Any time you have to reactivate, you could face a need to do so with a real person rather than an automated system.

There are several regulars on some forums I visit who have had no problems migrating their WinXP OEM version through many such reactivations; then again there have also been tales told about being denied the chance to even reach a real person until the 30 days grace period expires, so there is some gamble with OEM versions.

[craigap]

Thanks for the info so far. Here's a little add on. I always get spam from distributors of "download only" software. Is downloading XP Pro SP2 from a vendor like this for 49.95 and burning it to a disk an ok way to go, or should I steer clear of something like this?

[rspassey]

No, buy an original genuine disk (OEM if you wish) from a reliable dealer such as ZipZoomFly, or NewEgg. If you have to pay more, it is worth it, because you want a GENUINE version.

[FireByyrd]

I myself actually found talking to a real person (someone from India), easy. They just asked a couple questions, answered and they gave me a reactivation key. And something went wrong with the installation again, and when I called again, they gave me the same reactivation number through a automated response. So I assume that once you get an activation number your set.

Personally OEM has no problems associated with it, besides no manual. It's cheaper too.

Regarding the online deal from the vendor and what not. I believe it's illegal to use a burned copy unless you have your own personal, brand new CD key. If not. Steer clear. All the XP media is the same, its just the CD key that's different... but listen to ryan, get the OEM from the dealers listed above.

[Eriol]

remember with OEM though is that its for one machine only, meaning you cant uninstall it on one machine to install it on another. You can with a retail version though. But unless your planning on building another machine before XP is outdated shouldnt be a big deal.

[glc]

Yes, you can reuse an OEM on a different machine - just wait 120 days since the last activation and it will reactivate online. This is *generic* OEM, not OEM from a name brand computer manufacturer such as Dell.

[Eriol]

is that legal, b/c I though I read in the fine print on the one I bought that its meant for system builders and only for one machine.

[doubledragon5]

You can install your Dell Xp successfully on a new system I have done it on a new build just to see if it will work... But you will need a new legal license to put in once it prompts you for it.. And you will have to have it activated as well..

[Panama Red]

Originally Posted by Eriol is that legal, b/c I though I read in the fine print on the one I bought that its meant for system builders and only for one machine.

That is correct. However, if you retire the original machine you can reuse that copy of XP again on the next one. Activation may require a phone call to MS but that is painless.