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    Is this the windows XP installation CD?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by sepandee, May 27, 2007.

  1. sepandee

    sepandee Notebook Deity

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    I came across a CD today which I think came with my HP ZT3000 laptop that I purchased more than 2 years ago. On it is says "Operating System CD", and below it "Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2", and on the right "For Distribution with a new HP or Compaq PC."

    Is this the windows XP cd? Could this be used in a macbook to install windows for Parallels?
     
    sepandee, May 27, 2007
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  2. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    No...the Windows CD is an OEM copy, intended only for that HP CD. So there's legal issues to deal with. Plus, many of those CDs will have a built in checker that will identify your notebook as non-HP. I'm not 100% sure that will happen, but the chances are good...so you have technical issues. Additionally, if it does all go well and you try to install with that key, MS might figure it out...so then you'll have to call them...so you'll have issues with MS too.

    So, I wouldn't recommend it at all.
     
    Greg, May 27, 2007
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  3. LFC

    LFC Ex-NBR

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    Wouldn't it try to detect a HP system?
     
    LFC, May 27, 2007
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  4. sepandee

    sepandee Notebook Deity

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    Ok so what's the cheapest way to buy a windows xp or vista CD? It's just that I have 2 programs that run only in windows, and I have to use them on my mac. I don't want to pay $100 or $150 for a windows CD though... :s
     
    sepandee, May 27, 2007
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  5. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    www.newegg.com

    Get an OEM license for XP Home, and that is the cheapest thing I can think of.

    I didn't think parellels or boot camp fully supported Vista, but Vista is more expensive so stick with XP.
     
    Greg, May 27, 2007
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  6. WackyT

    WackyT Notebook Deity

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    WackyT, May 27, 2007
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