Reverting to XP

[Guest]

I have just been bought a computer which has Vista installed. Can I uninstall
Vista and install XP using the CD which came with my original computer?

 

[LVTravel]

No. The XP that came with your original computer is probably an OEM version
and OEM versions are forever tied to the first machine they were installed
on. Also, you may have problems finding all the proper XP drivers for your
new machine. Also, you will probably invalidate the warranty on the machine
when you change the OS.

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

I have just been bought a computer which has Vista installed. Can I
uninstall
Vista and install XP using the CD which came with my original computer?

If your original computer had an OEM version of WinXP
then you cannot transfer it to the new PC. If it had a retail
version then you need to ring Microsoft during the registration
process and explain that you're transferring your licence from
the old to the new PC.

From a technical point of view you could do this:
1. Save all your important documents to an independent medium.
2. Boot the machine with your WinXP CD.
3. Allow the hard disk to be formatted.
4. Complete the WinXP installation process.

It is likely that the installation process will ask you for the
various hardware driver files (network adapter, sound card,
video adapter). Do you have them?

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I have just been bought a computer which has Vista installed. Can I uninstall
Vista and install XP using the CD which came with my original computer?

No.

If XP came with the computer, it's almost certainly an OEM version.
There are two issues with OEM versions:

1. The OEM license ties it permanently to the first computer it's
installed on, and it may never legally be moved to another.

2. Many OEM versions are BIOS-locked to the original motherboard, and
physically will not install on a different one.

 

[Skybuck Flying]

Dude **** all that shit.

Get a pirated copy and be done with it.

You payed for it, don't feel bad.

Bye,
Skybuck.

 

[Guest]

If your original computer had an OEM version of WinXP
then you cannot transfer it to the new PC. If it had a retail
version then you need to ring Microsoft during the registration
process and explain that you're transferring your licence from
the old to the new PC.

From a technical point of view you could do this:
1. Save all your important documents to an independent medium.
2. Boot the machine with your WinXP CD.
3. Allow the hard disk to be formatted.
4. Complete the WinXP installation process.

It is likely that the installation process will ask you for the
various hardware driver files (network adapter, sound card,
video adapter). Do you have them?


I'm not sure. I'm a technological retard! I have spoken to a computer expert who says they can do it....for lots of money.

 

[Guest]

No.

If XP came with the computer, it's almost certainly an OEM version.
There are two issues with OEM versions:

1. The OEM license ties it permanently to the first computer it's
installed on, and it may never legally be moved to another.

2. Many OEM versions are BIOS-locked to the original motherboard, and
physically will not install on a different one.

Thanks, Ken, for the info. Guess I'm stuck with Vista.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I have just been bought a computer which has Vista installed. Can I uninstall
Vista ...

If you like. It's your computer, after all. If you don't mind voiding
the warranty and having limited functionality because there probably
aren't any WinXP drivers for it, go ahead.

... and install XP using the CD which came with my original computer?

Not unless you don't mind pirating software and lying. By your own
admission, you have an OEM license for WinXP that came with the
"original computer." An OEM version must be sold with a piece of
hardware (normally a motherboard or hard drive, if not an entire PC) and
is _permanently_ bound to the first PC on which it's installed. An OEM
license, once installed, is not legally transferable to another computer
under _any_ circumstances.



--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrand Russell

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Thanks, Ken, for the info. Guess I'm stuck with Vista.

You're welcome. Glad to help. But I don't think "stuck with" is the
right way to put it. You may not like Vista because it's in many ways
strange and different. But like everything else that's new to you, it
takes some getting accustomed to it. Personally I had a similar
experience. It was strange to me at first, but as I learned how to use
it, I also learned to like it.

 

[Skybuck Flying]

Question is will it hold in court.

Me thinks not.

Bye,
Skybuck.

 

[Bob I]

Until the courts see it, question is moot. But that part about "you
thinking" is right on the money.

Bye!