xp install dilemma for mumpty ibm x40 user

[m]

please help a poor mumpty who can't install his o/s

here's the problem:

second-hand ibm laptop - turns out the version of XP on it is beta. so
Windows Update doesn't work. (ironically enough, i need to update the update
software so i can download updates, but update tells me it can't do that
because i've got an incompatible version of xp).

so i need to install a new version of XP. i have a disc copy, that came with
my last computer, a Samsung X10.

the IBM x40 doesn't have a CD drive, but i have an external USB drive.

however, because (i presume) the xp on the machine is beta, when i try and
run windows setup from the samsung disc it says that i've got an incompatible
version of xp and so won't run.

i could perhaps wipe the hard drive and do a clean install from the samsung
disc, but if i do that, will the laptop be able to read the usb disc drive?

please help. my head hurts.

m.

 

[DL]

Its probable that your samsung version of winxp is bios locked to the
origonal PC therefore it wont install on a different PC
You need to buy yourself a winxp cd, a generic oem version would be the
cheapest, but when your IBM dies so does your winxp cd

 

[m]

Thanks DL.

I feared that might be the case. so i effectively have this microsoft xp
license that i bought with the samsung machine that is now worthless because
i can't port the software elsewhere.

microsoft can't be that hard up that they have to squeeze single digit
licence sales out of poor berks who have to buy second hand IT equipment,
surely? i presume that's why the software is designed to work on only one
machine? and they used to say that the advantage of PCs were that they were
built on open specs. its enough to make me install linux, only that's
probably going to be just as much a pain in the derier.

bah. i have a legit copy of xp already. i could buy another, but i can't
afford to.

m.

 

[DL]

Its not MS but the way manufacturers choose to sell their PC's
If the manufacturer supplied a full retail edition of the o/s it would be
more expensive to the buyer

 

[m]

So they say. But I suspect rather its Microsoft's policy to supply OEMs with
versions of its software that can't be ported. It's a copout for software
suppliers to say its the OEM's fault.

And anyway, surely OEM versions are cheaper because they are sold in bulk
volumes. It shouldn't be necessary to justify the lower price by handicapping
the software. This is perhaps a means of coercing people into upgrading.
Copout? It sounds more like a corporate con.

Money money money.

 

[m]

I've had a very prompt reply from MS support:

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Customer Service.



I understand that you are unable to install Windows XP Edition operating
system of Samsung x10 on IBM x40 laptop.



From the information provided, I understand that you are using an OEM copy
of Windows XP Edition. If a product or software is preinstalled or
distributed with your computer, your primary source for support is the
computer manufacturer who provided your Microsoft software. If you would like
to contact your OEM for any warranty or no-charge support, please call your
OEM Samsung at 1-800-726-7864.



For more information, please view the following page that lists contact
information for most computer manufacturers:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;en-us;oemphone



Part of the OEM and Microsoft agreement is to allow Original Equipment
Manufacturers to provide support for products they have installed on a
particular computer. This agreement was made only because OEMs often modify
and pre-install Microsoft software on their computers to ensure compatibility
and to take full advantage of your computer’s hardware. This means the OEM
has the expertise on how your Microsoft software works on your particular
computer.



If you prefer to work directly with a Microsoft Support Professional,
assisted support is available to you for a fee. You may contact them at:
(800) 936 5700. Hours of operation are Monday - Friday 5:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M.,
Saturday - Sunday 6:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. Pacific Time.



However, if you are not located in North America, and purchased the Windows
XP in your region, your best resource for support is your local Microsoft
subsidiary as there are significant programming differences between North
American and localized versions of software. You will be best assisted by the
subsidiary that specializes in your version of Microsoft product. Please
visit the following link and select your region under contact information to
the contact the local Microsoft subsidiary:

http://www.microsoft.com/worldwide/



I hope the issue is resolved soon and appreciate your patience in this
regard.



Thank you,



Praveen

Microsoft Customer Service Representative



If you have any feedback about your Online Customer Service experience,
please send them to my manager, Smita Singh at
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=6998852 Please do not forget to indicate the
name of my manager in the subject field.

 

[DL]

Perhaps you missunderstand
OEM software is sold at a significant discount to retail software., because
of this it is basically a one time use software.
It lives & dies on the origonal PC it was installed on