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    Dell and Windows (XP or Vista)

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by ravenmorpheus, May 16, 2008.

  1. ravenmorpheus

    ravenmorpheus Notebook Deity

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    Ok so dumb question time...

    I'm getting a Dell Vostro, I plan on having XP preinstalled, and then dual booting with Vista, without formatting the entire HDD if I can get away with it, but if I have to I will.

    I have a disk for Vista, I also have a Home Premium and Ultimate key so I can activate it, as well as an XP Home install disk with a CD key if I need it.

    Am I likely to run into any problems doing this, I'm thinking along the lines of because neither of my XP or Vista disks (or CD keys) are OEM that I may not be able to install them on the Vostro.

    Like I said, dumb question but I need clarification before I buy the Vostro in about 6 weeks...

    And I know I keep asking about this, but I haven't actually posted this exact question and no-one has actually mentioned it in any of the threads I've posted so thanks in advance for humouring me :)
     
    ravenmorpheus, May 16, 2008
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  2. diggy

    diggy Notebook Deity

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    If its a retail disk with a legit key, you should have no problems installing either. Just because a machine ships with an OEM image, doesnt mean you cant blow it away and install a retail copy.
     
    diggy, May 16, 2008
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  3. Apollo13

    Apollo13 100% 16:10 Screens

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    I'd actually recommend formatting the entire hard drive first, to get rid of the bloatware. Dell isn't as bad as a lot of others these days, but there's still enough that it would be nice to get rid of it. But you can install Vista alongside XP without reformatting.

    If you do reformat, it's supposed to be easier to install XP first, then Vista. It can be done the other way around though, in which case I'd recommend using EasyBCD. Also, I'd recommend using the Dell OEM XP disc to install XP if you reformat. They don't have the SATA driver problems (saying this from experience) that many retail SP2 discs have, and don't have bloatware, either. The Vista retail disc should install with no SATA problems.
     
    Apollo13, May 16, 2008
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  4. Tusin

    Tusin Notebook Evangelist

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    Yup just as Apollo Said. Dell OEM XP disks are great.
     
    Tusin, May 16, 2008
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  5. jisaac

    jisaac Notebook Deity

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    just shrink ur xp partition in xp to at least 16gb and then install vista on to it
     
    jisaac, May 16, 2008
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  6. eleron911

    eleron911 HighSpeedFreak

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    If those disks are OEM, they can only be installed on the system they were meant for...
     
    eleron911, May 16, 2008
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  7. jisaac

    jisaac Notebook Deity

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    I think ravenmorpheus means he's got an oem vista cd not a recovery cd (which cud only be installed on the system it was meant for). OEM vista versions are supposed to be for system builders and just come without the fancy retail packaging. I have an oem vista ultimate cd myself
     
    jisaac, May 16, 2008
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  8. X2P

    X2P COOLING | NBR Super Mod

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    Vostros dont come with bloatware
     
    X2P, May 16, 2008
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