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Possible to install XP Pro from "desktop" CD?

post #1 of 37
3/6/05 at 5:11pm
Thread Starter 
"Hypothetically" speaking of course, is it possible to install XP Pro to your Dell notebook using a Dell CD from your desktop? Not that I would do that, just want to know for ... educational purposes only.
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post #2 of 37
3/6/05 at 5:15pm
Try it. Some of the cd's dell sends out work only on dell computers (desktop or pcs). For example, the PowerDVD cd I got with my notebok installed on my old dell desktop but refused to install on my other computer because it said that the computer was non-dell. I'm sure there is a crack.

Also, my friend had no problems using the XP pro cd from my (his) first 600m to install it on his second 600m.
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post #3 of 37
3/6/05 at 5:19pm
it should work since it is a dell system
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post #4 of 37
3/6/05 at 5:30pm
Thread Starter 
That would hypothetically be very cool!
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post #5 of 37
3/6/05 at 5:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaisyHead
That would hypothetically be very cool!
But theoretically very illegal.
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post #6 of 37
3/6/05 at 5:48pm
and literally...
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post #7 of 37
3/6/05 at 5:51pm
It'll work, but you'll need to do a clean install. The OEM disks don't support upgrading an existing system. Why do you want XP Pro on your lappy? There's nothing really useful in Pro for laptops, other than the backup software.
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post #8 of 37
3/6/05 at 6:30pm
disagree..depends on your needs, xp pro corporate security, network, security additions which home does not have
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post #9 of 37
3/6/05 at 6:40pm
Yes of Course "My Friend" has done it on two of his different computers. As long as it is a Dell, "my Friend" has tried on a different brand and it didnt work, As long as it is Dell it will work just fine.
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post #10 of 37
3/6/05 at 6:58pm
what about one win xp cd with two different cd-keys? I have the cd-key that is on the bottom of my laptop and I also have the one for the version that is on my laptop? I downloaded a little program that tells you the cd-key of you current version....now which one do I use if I want to reinstall Windows?
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post #11 of 37
3/6/05 at 7:30pm
home and pro keys are different...plus, not all pro keys will work with pro cd's..and since it is illegal to use keygens and since it's a forum no-no to talk about it,the answer is NO

the cdkey on the bottom of your lappie is the key for the windows disc that came with the lappie, so if you are using that disc, that is the key you use, b/c that isthe key that "matches" that disc
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post #12 of 37
3/7/05 at 2:59am
OEM cds can be installed via booting from it. By that, it wouldn't matter if it was a dell, gateway, hp, or custom.
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post #13 of 37
3/7/05 at 3:28am
But with a clean install, won't the drivers be different, and therefore not allow little things to work? -Ya know, like the keyboard?
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post #14 of 37
3/7/05 at 3:31am
The WINXP cd that came with my lappy does NOT require any key when im doin a clean install. Ive tried it on my desktop and it worked. It has a default windows key. But in my laptop, I change the key to the REAL one (sticker underside the laptop) and activate it.
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post #15 of 37
3/7/05 at 3:34am
there's a difference between retail and oem. Retail cd's are installable on any pc...OEM dell, oem hp, oem gateway are just that, OEM for that particular company's computer--that is, if your windows xp disc has Dell on the front of it, it is Dell OEM and will work on dell systems (requires dell bios)

you cannot use xp pro key for xp home and vice versa

drivers are a whole package full of drivers that are not specific to computer, the software has most drivers...if there are extra drivers that are required, it will be done through windows update or downloading drivers from dell's website...but things like keyboards are generic drivers that are picked up by windows

you cannot use key from one xp pro to another xp pro (well maybe, but that's illegal to use the kind of keygen software required to identify if a key is valid to create a key that will work with your xp pro). if your lappie came with xp home, then the key on the bottom is for xp home not xp pro...
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post #16 of 37
3/7/05 at 3:36am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Picard
The WINXP cd that came with my lappy does NOT require any key when im doin a clean install. Ive tried it on my desktop and it worked. It has a default windows key. But in my laptop, I change the key to the REAL one (sticker underside the laptop) and activate it.
default windows key will require activation
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post #17 of 37
3/7/05 at 3:50am
I never activated my desktop. ALL works fine.
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post #18 of 37
3/7/05 at 3:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by laffingbilly
there's a difference between retail and oem. Retail cd's are installable on any pc...OEM dell, oem hp, oem gateway are just that, OEM for that particular company's computer--that is, if your windows xp disc has Dell on the front of it, it is Dell OEM and will work on dell systems (requires dell bios)
That's an urban legend. Dell - or any other manufacturer - has NOT modified the OS to make it "only run on systems with a <insert manufacturer name> BIOS". I've done thousands - literally thousands - of installs using OEM CDs from various manufacturers. Never once have I encountered this. Furthermore, as a small business owner, consultant, and Gold-level partner with Microsoft, I've spoken with them and ASKED them this question. Their response to me was that if the OEM provider HAS modified the OS to make it only work with their computer, they have violated the agreement with Microsoft, and would be prosecuted for it. Microsoft OEM software is identical to retail software except for the key (which is different in length), and the fact that microsoft will not provide support for OEM software (it's provided by the OEM directly.)
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post #19 of 37
3/7/05 at 4:02pm
hmmm, that's odd then that my software don't work on non-dell, so did they modifiy the OS or something on the disc? if they put something on the disc like boot file, then it's not modifying the OS is it? don't know, doesn't work on my non-dell...also, let's talk about that key...

has anyone tried the same key that came with the software on a completely different system? i'm sure it will install, but will you be able to activate it..
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post #20 of 37
3/7/05 at 4:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by laffingbilly
hmmm, that's odd then that my software don't work on non-dell, so did they modifiy the OS or something on the disc? if they put something on the disc like boot file, then it's not modifying the OS is it? don't know, doesn't work on my non-dell...also, let's talk about that key...

has anyone tried the same key that came with the software on a completely different system? i'm sure it will install, but will you be able to activate it..
I thought I read your message (but now I can't find it) and you said that the software was PowerDVD or WinDVD? I can't speak for that one, only Microsoft software.

Dell, as an OEM, can only modify the software to include device drivers specific to their computers (but they cannot remove standard OS drivers or replace them, they must ADD their own), and modify some of the files to automate the setup - which can include embedding the CD key. However, Microsoft frowns upon that, and starting last month, directly prohibits it. OEM providers cannot modify the OS to prevent or restrict certain things (like checking the computer BIOS.) If ANYONE has an OEM CD that does that, I will pay good money for it. I'm serious. I'd need the actual, real CD, and I will get it to the appropriate people at Microsoft.

As for moving an OEM OS key from one computer to another, the "official" answer is no. However, you can call Microsoft and have them authorize it. It's a long process though, but totally legal (ignore what the EULA says about that.)
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