OEM Install XP on HP Laptop

[Guest]

I am thinking of buying a laptop (off ebay) and just wanted to make sure that
I could do something. I want to be able to Re-Format and ReActivate the
Drive to remove the OEM's/Previous User's Files. I want to delete the OEM's
Branded OS and Re-Install a non-branded version of XP Pro straight from MS.
(I Hate software bundled with new PC's anyway.) The PC has (or should have)
a XP Pro COA from the OEM on the bottom, and I am assuming that I could just
use that. I already have the XP Pro OEM CD that I got when I built my last
Desktop, unbranded of course. Is there ANYTHING AT ALL theat would even
REMOTELY prevent me from doing this?

Thanks
BMR777

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

If the Windows XP Pro CD is OEM, it may work with the OEM key, but you will
find out for sure when you try.
No guarantees from here what about the seller?.

 

[Guest]

The HP OEM editions of Windows XP will differ from a 'white box' OEM CD for
many good reasons. HP will have included all their proprietary applications
and system utilities [those that help you set up and configure the specific
hardware such as Mouse, Display etc].

It is possible that you may have a different release version of XP
installation CD and that will not be compatible with the ID on the laptop
sticker. Your OEM edition of XP it may not include all the driver files for
this Laptop.

Simply ensure that you get the CDs and COAs from the seller.

Use the HP recovery CDs to load the Laptop back to factory fresh state -
eliminating all the previous user's files and settings and any other
applications that may have been installed.

You can then go ahead and add other applications such as Office, Acrobat and
the other well loved things that you use.

 

[D.Currie]

I am thinking of buying a laptop (off ebay) and just wanted to make sure
that
I could do something. I want to be able to Re-Format and ReActivate the
Drive to remove the OEM's/Previous User's Files. I want to delete the
OEM's
Branded OS and Re-Install a non-branded version of XP Pro straight from
MS.
(I Hate software bundled with new PC's anyway.) The PC has (or should
have)
a XP Pro COA from the OEM on the bottom, and I am assuming that I could
just
use that. I already have the XP Pro OEM CD that I got when I built my
last
Desktop, unbranded of course. Is there ANYTHING AT ALL theat would even
REMOTELY prevent me from doing this?

Thanks
BMR777

I'm betting that if the laptop came with XP originally, it was Home, so your
CD won't work with the included coa. If the seller says it has pro, I'll
also bet it's a bootleg.

Confirm what you're getting before you buy it, or you'll be adding the cost
of new software to the unit, and then it may not be worth buying.