On 2 May 2008, at 19:03, Mark Knecht wrote:
> On Fri, May 2, 2008 at 10:52 AM, Michael Higgins
> <linux@(protected):
>> (Saw a similar thread, going the wrong way.)
>>
>> I have a laptop with a spare partition waiting for WinXP, to install
>> from Dell OEM disks that came originally.
>
> I would be very careful about installing from OEM disks. My HP OEM
> disks will actually blow ALL the partitions on the drive away,
> repartition and reformat the whole drive back to the way it was
> shipped from the factory.

What he said.

> Better if you can find a regular retail copy
> of XP.

Better if he can find a regular _OEM_ copy of XP.

> Note that in the case of this HP Vista license it only works
> with the OEM install. The license is no good with a normal copy of
> Vista.


Right. Same with XP.

Basically Microsoft sell XP in a glossy box on the shelves of PC
World, and they also sell it a cardboard sleeve which is licensed for
OEM use only; if you're Bob's Computers you can buy these singly and
it comes with a sticker to stick on the computer's case, just like
the license stickers you see on a brand new Compaq or HP.

Although the likes of Dell, HP & Packard Hell may make their own
reinstall CDs (which we surely can't trust not to mess up the
partitions), this isn't a realistic proposition for Bob's Computers -
but don't worry, Microsoft make an install CD for him and supply it
in the single-pack version of XP OEM.

The OEM license numbers don't work with a retail installation CD &
vice-versa. So what Michael needs is a Microsoft-branded OEM
installation CD. These work with any OEM license number (even if the
sticker says "Dell" or "HP" on it), as long as the Home /
Professional versioning is correct.

I would suggest - as long as you live in Sweden - the famous 9-in-1
OEM CD, from your favourite swashbuckling sea-dog. Arrrrr, me
hearties! This be perfectly legal because the the sticker on the
underside of the the laptop is the license for XP, not the CD itself.

Stroller.
--
gentoo-user@(protected)