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    Dell Win-XP on Non-Dell Machine?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by Matthewrs_Rahl, Feb 15, 2009.

  1. Matthewrs_Rahl

    Matthewrs_Rahl Notebook Consultant

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    So I've bought a new laptop recently from Sager with Windows Vista 64x and, frankly, I can say without a doubt I do not care for Vista. So, I want to revert to XP and just ride it out until 7 is in full-production. Here's my question, though...
    My Windows XP installation cd that I have is for my old DELL Latitude. It even says on the CD itself its meant for DELL machines. Am I going to encounter any problems if I attempt reformating with this DELL XP cd on a Non-DELL machine?
    Thanks guys/gals of NBR!
     
    Matthewrs_Rahl, Feb 15, 2009
    #1
  2. X2P

    X2P COOLING | NBR Super Mod

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    Its illegal as it is OEM its meant to only be used on the laptop it was purchased with.
     
    X2P, Feb 15, 2009
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  3. Matthewrs_Rahl

    Matthewrs_Rahl Notebook Consultant

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    Are you certain of this, X2P?
    I just got off the line with Gold Technical Support from DELL and I told them I was intending on using their xp cd on a non-dell machine. They said it was fine, so long as the product key was only registered with one machine.
     
    Matthewrs_Rahl, Feb 15, 2009
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  4. sipp11

    sipp11 Notebook Consultant

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    If you activate that XP with your own product key, I think it is supposed to be OK. However, you probably know that once you setup with OEM disc like this, it's automatically activated. That's why it is considered as illegal.
     
    sipp11, Feb 15, 2009
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  5. Matthewrs_Rahl

    Matthewrs_Rahl Notebook Consultant

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    If it's illegal, then why the heck would they tell me to go ahead? Ha-ha. Seems like their information policy isn't up to spec in regards to CYA (Cover Your A**), if what you guys are thinking is indeed accurate.
    ...So besides my possibly breaking the law, any technical difficulty I might run into? Such as the cds being modified to only work with certain BIOS' on DELL or something?...I'd be surprised, though.
     
    Matthewrs_Rahl, Feb 15, 2009
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  6. Alex

    Alex Super Moderator

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    You will need to purchase a retail version of xp
    You will need a coa to keep things legal
    You will need to go to Sagers website and insure that there is driver support for xp
    You will need the sata drivers probably to load xp on your new machine
    You may also need a usb floppy drive to load the sata drivers
    Some new laptops were not designed for xp, and will not run xp


    Alex
     
    Alex, Feb 15, 2009
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  7. eleron911

    eleron911 HighSpeedFreak

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    Illegal? never heard of that, in fact I used a Win Xp copy from an old gateway and there was no issue with it.
     
    eleron911, Feb 15, 2009
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  8. Alex

    Alex Super Moderator

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    I agree that the disk is ok eleron911

    But you do need a coa to be legal

    And a new installation key

    And it has to be activated by Microsoft

    So back to my statement on the purchase of a retail xp



    Alex
     
    Alex, Feb 15, 2009
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