Win XP from DELL not transferable??

[beancow2]

Hi all, I was just trying to confirm a bit I heard today. I have a backup CD of WIN XP that I received with the Dell Dimensions Desktop I bought almost 4 years ago. I was wanting to do my first build now, and I thought I would save the money and just use this backup disk to install XP on my new build. Someone said this won't work because it's configured to Dell's BIOS? Is that true, would I have to rebuy XP for my new build? And is so, should I get XP home again, or can anyone weigh in on the benfits of XP PRO or XP Media center edition? I want to use this build for games, home video burning from my camcorder to DVD's, photos, music, and TV viewing, and recording TV and burning to DVD's. Thank you for your advice!
Beaner

[jamesrpm]

You'll need a new copy of XP and for what you are doing I'd think XP Media would be more suited .

[Billbo2cool]

I had an old Gateway laptop and its made for Windows 98 and i got a Dell XP cd to install on it and work fine till my friend got a virus now it won't do it at all. You should get PRO.

[jamesrpm]

Originally Posted by Billbo2cool I had an old Gateway laptop and its made for Windows 98 and i got a Dell XP cd to install on it and work fine till my friend got a virus now it won't do it at all. You should get PRO.

What benifits are there to Xp Pro for doiing multimedia and games ? None.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by beancow2 Hi all, I was just trying to confirm a bit I heard today. I have a backup CD of WIN XP that I received with the Dell Dimensions Desktop I bought almost 4 years ago. I was wanting to do my first build now, and I thought I would save the money and just use this backup disk to install XP on my new build. Someone said this won't work because it's configured to Dell's BIOS? Is that true, would I have to rebuy XP for my new build?

Yes, you have to buy a new copy of WinXP for your new build. According to the MS EULA, OEM versions of WinXP is not transferable to another computer.

Originally Posted by beancow2 And is so, should I get XP home again, or can anyone weigh in on the benfits of XP PRO or XP Media center edition? I want to use this build for games, home video burning from my camcorder to DVD's, photos, music, and TV viewing, and recording TV and burning to DVD's. Thank you for your advice!

There's really no performance difference between Home and Pro, just networking and security features. MCE (Media Center Edition) may be better for you but I've read of lots of stability problems with MCE...I'd avoid it and go with Home instead.

Cricket

[perkster]

home edition is chepest and unless you are running a home network or have any other need for the Pro features home is the way to go.