Page 1 of 1

XP installation...

Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2003 12:26 pm
by maro
Hey all.
I build my PC by myself. :D
I have a Windows XP Professional CD labeled: "Only for distribution with an HP or Compaq PC".
Now, can I install and use it on my PC?

Thanks.

Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2003 12:31 pm
by TrevGlas
Yea it will work...

Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2003 12:54 pm
by YeOldeStonecat
Haven't tried it with their XP CD....but on their 98 and many 2K OEM CD's...it wouldn't work because the CD is coded to work only with the special restore CD's for that series of computer it originally came with.

This is also assuming that the original computer that it came with...which carries the Microsoft licensing for that XP cd...is no longer being used.

Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2003 1:48 pm
by twwabw
This is also assuming that the original computer that it came with...which carries the Microsoft licensing for that XP cd...is no longer being used


Technically, even this part is not necessarily true. Most large OEM licensing like Dell HP etc. states quite specifically that license is for the PC it was purchased- period! It is generally NOT transferable to another PC. That's why they can justify selling it to the oems so incredibly cheaply.
I have a Windows XP Professional CD labeled: "Only for distribution with an HP or Compaq PC".


Very, very unlikely that it will work, as YOSC explained. The OEM branded OS and/or restore CDs from Dell and HP are tightly tied with the components of the pc model they were shipped with. It will most likely refuse the install not far into the installation.

Also, you'll never be able to activate it. The hash is wrong.

Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2003 3:50 pm
by TrevGlas
My other computer has an HP bundled version of XP... has worked for 2 years.

Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2003 4:32 pm
by maro
Originally posted by TrevGlas
My other computer has an HP bundled version of XP... has worked for 2 years.

That sounds convincingly.

Thanks for your replies.

Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2003 7:10 am
by YeOldeStonecat
Originally posted by TrevGlas
My other computer has an HP bundled version of XP... has worked for 2 years.


You got a lucky one...trust me, that's why I said "many"..and not "100% all). I've worked on thousands of OEM Compaqs and other brands...that's "usually" the case.

Posted: Sat Dec 13, 2003 7:37 pm
by Bighunk
Originally posted by maro
That sounds convincingly.

Thanks for your replies.


My XP Pro SP1 was also bundled for HP (which my computer is not - thank God), yet i've been using (as well as reinstalling it) for a little over a year, activations included.

Posted: Sat Dec 13, 2003 11:27 pm
by Mytflyguy
It all depends on weather you are gooing by a RESTORE cd or a bundled OEM XP CD .... The restore is tied to the brand and model of PC ... The OEM bundled XP should work on other PC's ...


Try it ... If it won't work you'll know right away ... Keep in mind though that XP's Unlock feature checks specific hardware to prevent copyright infringement... You'll almost definitaley have to call them and tell them whats up in order to get the unlock code ....