New computer purchase, can I use operating system from another computer?

Question

I am about to purchase a Dell desktop for my kids. Dell only wants to sell me Windows vista which I do not want since I have XP on all my other computers. Can I purchase the computer with no operating system and then use the disks from my new laptop to install Windows XP? (I understand Dell's pricing structure, so no need ot tell me it is cheaper to order it with vista already on it.) Thanks.

I am purchasing a Dell so save the rants against Dell. Dell will sell a computer without the operating system. I won't use an operating system other than XP. Save your fingers if you want to convince me otherwise. Thanks.

Answer 1

If Dell will sell you a machine without an operating system, go for it.

If your laptop came with a regular WinXP install CD, you're good to go. Many brand-names units come instead with system restore CDs or modified installation CDs that only work on their brand of computers (the install program checks the BIOS) so take inventory of what came with your laptop- if it's a regular Microsoft CD, it's usable.

Of course you'll need a serial # to install Windows XP on that desktop. Microsoft limits the number of times a particular serial # can be activated, so realistically (and to stay legal) you may need to purchase a copy of XP.

I don't see many "rants" against Dell here- the fact is their systems are pretty good, just not great values compared to custom-built systems. But that's true of all major brands- not just Dell. Unlike their competitors, they offer a great deal of flexibility in configuring new systems- and their discounts on software offset the slightly higher hardware costs.

Their desktop support isn't what it used to be (due to outsourcing) but it's ok. Their server support remains excellent. I certainly prefer them to HP/Compaq and Gateway.

Answer 2

You can only use an XP disk to install XP on one computer. If you try to install it on a second computer (illegally) you will not be able to validate it with Microsoft. If you uninstalled XP from the first computer Microsoft may allow you to install it after you call Microsoft using the phone number you will be given when the validation is rejected.

As of January 1 Microsoft will no longer sell OEM versions of XP to computer makers.

Dell will not sell a computer without an operating system. Dell no longer even sells and XP systems at Dell Outlet.

Since you will need to reformat the computer to install XP it makes no difference if the hard drive is blank or has Vista pre-installed. Get Vista Home Premium and get all the disks. This way if you want to install Vista at some future date, and you will, you will have the software for free.

When you format and install XP you will need to install the XP drivers for your modem; computer/motherboard; video card; sound card; network card; mouse; web cam; etc. It is likely if this is a new computer model, that there are no XP drivers available for your computer. Without the XP drivers the computer will run slow, if at all.

Answer 3

ok here is your chance to move to a better operating system, Dell are now installing Ubuntu Linux which out shines windows vista. oh how ubuntu leaves Vista ultimate so far behind the times microsoft will never never never catch up,

you will get all the software your kids will ever need in their life time all free, you will never ever have to buy any more software,, there is education software. games, Office software to many to mention...

The support is second to none, you can download all the manuals and tutorials for every program,

By 2010 Linux will be the new top dog operating system, I know you have never heard of Linux, the reason thats is, is because it is free, and if it is free companies can't spend money on advertising it.

you may ask who is using Linux well you will be surprised, who is using it, here is a small list

NASA (space agency)
Next flight to Mars will be programed by Linux
IBM,INTEL.HP.Dell.Compaq. 50% of usa universities use Linux
Microsoft have partnered with several linux companies to stay in the game,
if you would like to know more about linux do a google search

click on the links below to see who uses linux
linux is just the same as windows, but more secure faster

Answer 4

first of all you shouldnt get a dell. andi dont feel like getting into why just dont. and there is no way to do it that way without an operating system the just don;'t sell them like that. there is a chance however that if you were to buy it with vista on it you will be forced to buy a whole nother xp disk to install xp on the vista because if you were to use the cds form your other computers , it wont work because you wont be able to activate it because the serial you would be using is already taken by anoter computer

Answer 5

XP and Vista is almost like apples and oranges. If you go with XP, you're probably going to be stuck with 32 bit which limits your effective memory that the OS can use. But then again you shouldn't have any compatibility problems. If you go with Vista, I would go with 64 bit vista, especially if you're going to get more than 4GB of RAM. I'm running 64 bit on my quad core HP desktop and I've had nearly zero problems. The main problem I did have is that my several year old HP laser jet does not have Vista driver support but I found a work around so it's working now. You may run into problems without hardware you currently own with Vista. I don't have experience with Windows 7 (yet), but if the other people who answered were correct and you can upgrade seemlessly from Vista to 7, then Vista would be a strong candidate. Personally though, I'm not a big fan of "upgrading" an OS. I rather backup and install from scratch.

Answer 6

Per a post above. You can have one system active with the XP license. You are entitled to migrate the license as long as you retire the old computer or license.

What will happen is when you validate, the old computer will no longer be able to patch (and should not do so or you might cause both to stop patching).

Sometimes when you transfer your license, you have to call Microsoft, explain your situation, and they validate the code. I have done this after a few upgrades and it is easy. You get instructions on the screen when you attempt to validate. Be sure to let them know you have retired the old machine (and be truthful about it).

And... I see nothing wrong with Dell... of course, I think Vista is fine too... but I never recommend upgrading to it. :-)

Answer 7

What do you have against vista? it is not like it has a lot of problems it actually has very few and decreasing by the day!Anyway, you can use those disks just be careful when doing so. and during the setup on the disc it will ask u to either partion or format the hard drive which will erase vista anyway unless u format it then u can dual boot it (i do that) and have both u will just see a screen asking do u want to boot vista or earlier os.

Answer 8

Try dell with ubuntu(linux based operating system) its safe and have no risk of virus or spyware..so no need of scans.I personally use ubuntu and i love it.
And yes you can use a windows disc to install on new computer.
And yes you can ask for laptop without operating system and your price will go still lower .

Answer 9

if its windows XP cd original, with a key it will work
if its windows XP from a recovery CD , build image from a provider like DELL, IBM, HP...

well they normally detect the model type in the bios, if its not a good model install is stop so you wont do it without effort

Answer 10

Legally, no. Your license is only good for installation on one computer.