using dell reinstall xp cd when building new comp.

[robo_panda]

i have a dell comp and i'm going to change the motherboard, but keep the

hard drive. i'm wondering if i can use the xp reinstallment disc that came

with the computer to use with the new motherboard even if i'm keeping the hard drive

[thefultonhow]

Nope, you will most likely need to buy a new copy of XP. Dell's CDs are usually keyed so they'll only work on Dell systems. Look for an OEM copy of XP on a site like Newegg.

[robo_panda]

now oem would only work for one computer right? you can't use it on one and then put it on another right?
thanks for the info so far

[thefultonhow]

You can't use any consumer version of XP on more than one computer.

[robo_panda]

ok thanks for the info, i really appreciate it.

[robo_panda]

oh wait, i would still need a new os even if i'm using an old hard drive that already has an os on it?

[sdkfz]

Yes you do.

OEM versions of the OS come in two flavors, the ones from companies like Dell which are likley keyed to the hardware and or BIOS and will not install on 'other' machines and those you can buy from places like www.newegg.com which are OEM in name, but are full versions of the software. The big difference with OEM versus retail is the source of support. Support on OEM comes from the maker of the PC NOT Microsoft. This is the reason for the price difference between retail and OEM versions.

In both cases of the OEM - the license is tied to one computer, but with the OEM purchased from Newegg you can move the OS to another machine - BUT it is a violation of the EULA.

In all consumer versions of the OS you can install the key on one computer at a time. You are not paying for the disk, but for the 25 digit code and the license to use the software. You do not buy the software at all. This is true for just about every piece of software out there.

[robo_panda]

okey dokey, i'll just buy two os then. thanks for the help!!!

[robo_panda]

oh sorry again, but if i bought a new os to put on my hard drive that already has xp on it do i have to format the hard drive?

[thefultonhow]

I'm pretty sure you can do a repair install:

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=151522

[Panama Red]

Nope, you can do a repair install. And if you're moving the hdd from one pc to another, check the Tips and Tricks forums for a sticky on how to do that.

[robo_panda]

thanks again for alllllll the help!

[RayH]

Dell OEM Windows disks (not restore disks) are a strange breed. They are full versions of Windows that will install to another computer. Activation is another matter. Whether or not you can do a repair install with that hard drive to another computer and then change the product key, I don't know. I do know that the Dell OEM Windows has another name for the boot.img file.

If you have a copy of Windows 98 laying around, you may want to get an UPGRADE version of Windows XP. You can do a fresh install. There is no need to install Windows 98 to the computer, during the XP installation it will just ask to put the W98 CD in the drive for a "compliance" check. The advantage may be that the UPGRADE version of XP may be able to be moved to another computer in the future, where as the OEM XP is tied to the motherboard.

[glc]

No, a generic OEM XP is not tied to the motherboard. Only brand-specific OEM versions are.

The easiest way to do what you want legally is buy a OEM XP, and before shutting down the Dell to transplant the hard drive, go into device manager, update the IDE controller drivers to "standard dual IDE" (procedure is in Tips and Tricks), boot up the drive in the new computer, then use Magical Jellybean to change the product key to the one on the XP you just bought. Then it can be activated.

[robo_panda]

what's magical jellybean?

[Panama Red]

Originally Posted by robo_panda what's magical jellybean?

A small program that will reveal the Product Key of your OS and allow you to change it.


http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

[robo_panda]

would it be easier to reformat the hard drive, or do the reinstallation?

[Panama Red]

The only reason to do the repair is to keep all your installed programs intact and keep all your personal files/data intact. If you don't care about the stuff that's on there, then the reformat and fresh install is a better way to go. Then you can load the drivers and treat it like a new machine.

Now, lets go back to your original post that you're planning to change the mobo in a Dell. What model Dell are you dealing with? Some have proprietary power supply wiring that will not work with a standard ATX form factor mobo. That would mean a new psu too. Might be a good idea to review this entire project because there's more involved than just the hard drive and XP.

[robo_panda]

well i'm planning on swapping out the
case
mobo
psu

i have a dell dimension 3000, B110, 2.6 processor (northwood no ht), half gig of ram. so i'm planning on taking the
cd drive
hard drive
ram
and the pci modem that came with it

[kev7555]

I have successfully used a Dell OEM CD to reinstall on a Dell that had the motherboard changed. I also had a version from a Dell laptop that allowed me to activate it on a new desktop build that was in no way similar to a Dell. (Of course, to be strictly legal, it was uninstalled from the lap-top first).

Most versions of XP check hardware for changes but do not reject the install unless there are numerous hardware changes. (It is based on a scoring system, giving a numerological score to different pieces of hardware. I think the reject score is seven or more). As stated earlier, Dell OEM Cd's are a rare breed. There are MANY different versions and some will install to other computers while other versions will not.

You have nothing to lose by trying the OEM Dell disk after the new board is installed.

-Kev

[robo_panda]

alrighty thanks a bunch. i ordered my parts already, so let's see how this pans out.