I have another computer

  • Thread starter Thread starter Brandon
  • Start date Start date
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Brandon

I have another computer(compaq preserio) and all of the
software (OS(xp pro),driver disks,restore...all disks)
were rendered useless due to a small fire. The basic
computer survived. After about a year now, and after my
brother kept the computer ... it is just a conflicted
computer with errors and noticeably slower than it
originally was. I have all of the disks for my new
computer (Gateway w/ windows xp home) and I was wondering
if I am allowed to install my gateway discs (OS, Drivers,
etc) onto the preserio. I want to erase the entire
harddisk on the old computer and start over. Someone
told me though that this could be illeagle (pirating) and
that I wouldn't be able to receive updates for XP home
because it is registared to my new computer. So my
question: Can I install my gateway OS XP home to the
other computer and is it illegal? If I am allowed to,
will it work properely and will I be able to receive
updates, etc...?
thanks in advance
Brandon
 
Brandon --

No, you cannot use Gateway CDs to install Windows XP on
another computer. Not only is it a violation of XP's EULA
(End User License Agreement), they are also BIOS-locked to
the Gateway computer and won't install on any other computer.

If you wish to install Windows XP on another computer, you'll
need to purchase a "retail version" of Windows XP.

--
Nicholas

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| I have another computer(compaq preserio) and all of the
| software (OS(xp pro),driver disks,restore...all disks)
| were rendered useless due to a small fire. The basic
| computer survived. After about a year now, and after my
| brother kept the computer ... it is just a conflicted
| computer with errors and noticeably slower than it
| originally was. I have all of the disks for my new
| computer (Gateway w/ windows xp home) and I was wondering
| if I am allowed to install my gateway discs (OS, Drivers,
| etc) onto the preserio. I want to erase the entire
| harddisk on the old computer and start over. Someone
| told me though that this could be illeagle (pirating) and
| that I wouldn't be able to receive updates for XP home
| because it is registared to my new computer. So my
| question: Can I install my gateway OS XP home to the
| other computer and is it illegal? If I am allowed to,
| will it work properely and will I be able to receive
| updates, etc...?
| thanks in advance
| Brandon
 
Brandon,
Does the Compaq have a license sticker on the case?
If so, that is the OS you are legally able to install, and that would be an
OEM version of that OS. You'll need the OEM version CD for that OS because
that is what the installation key will work with. You may have to call
Microsoft to activate it, but just explain to them that you are reinstalling
the OS. Remember, if you don't purchase a Retail version of an OS, you can
only install exactly the same version that came with the computer. Reason
being is that, unlike a Retail version, Microsoft is not obligated to
provide support for an OEM version, the manufacturer is.
Call Compaq. They may send you replacement CD's. They use to do that. I
don't know about now.
As far as those Gateway disk, Nicholas is right. I wouldn't use them.
Not only would it be illegal, but you'll most likely run into a driver
nightmare or some installation problems. Most restore disk have custom
drivers for that manufacturer's hardware set up. XP may still install the
corrects one, but it's a crap shoot.

Rich
 
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