Windows XP Professional(Dell OEM CD) $77

[anandtechxhen]

Text

 

[mzkhadir]

I would say only dell.

 

[cmccrkn]

I think it's a standard WinXP Pro disk. Not specific to Dell.

 

[DaleDell]

It says it's a full version that is not just for Dell pc's. However dell has not been using microsoft cds since windows 98se. Dell makes their own operating system recovery cds that are bios locked and will only install on 'recent' Dell pc's.
So i have no idea what this "Dell OEM CD" is, buyer beware...

 

[foofoo]

check out the resellerratings reviews.
dont go near this place.
http://www.resellerratings.com/seller7391.html

 

[TerryMathews]

Yeah, plus the description doesn't explicitly state anywhere that it includes the license form w/ the registration number on it.

 

[FranksAndBeans]

In reality all you are paying for (the important part) is a legit Windows product key.

I would say 99% of people have access one way or another to a WinXp disc to copy - the key point is having your own product key to install with.

My point being that Microsoft doesn't change windows discs to have the key in the data in any way. All the discs are the same with the exception of home/pro/corp and in some cases, restore cds.

Having said all of that my Dell provided, dell labeled winxp home restore cd has installed just fine on non-dell hardware.

Peace.

 

[Lemanz]

Does it come with the COA and cd-key?

 

[brucekatz]

Don't know about this particular retailor. A friend bought a computer directly from Dell two weeks ago, it came with a Windows XP OEM full version. Dell told my friend, she does not need to activate with Microsoft when come with pre-installed; when she re-install it, it will need to call or internet to Microsoft, of course, she needs to keep the license in a safe place. Yup, it is a regular full version XP.

 

[pxc]

Originally posted by: DaleDell
It says it's a full version that is not just for Dell pc's. However dell has not been using microsoft cds since windows 98se. Dell makes their own operating system recovery cds that are bios locked and will only install on 'recent' Dell pc's.
So i have no idea what this "Dell OEM CD" is, buyer beware...

Depsite having "dell" in your name, you're completely wrong. Dell has and still does ship Windows "OS re-installation" CDs that are exactly the same as OEM version installation CDs. One minor difference is an extra directory installed on the target with a couple of files in it (C:\DELL, 1 .ico, 1 .htm and possibly a .gif and/or .jpg). That's it.

Dell no longer even ships a recovery CD since they added a recovery partition early last year, but has always included an OS reinstall CD for the last several years, at least for all Windows ME and XP systems.

The CDs install fine on non-Dell systems, too. I have re-used the Windows XP key and disk on other systems after I retired and/or motherboard upgraded (Athlons) a couple of old 2350 and 2400 systems I have. There is no "BIOS lock" or other restrictions on installation. I have done it.

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Unless this vendor has a sterling reputation, i wouldn't order one anyways. Unless it comes with the Dell sticker (which I really doubt it does), it's completely illegal by any stretch of the imagination and generated keys/no key included makes it completely worthless.

 

[lobadobadingdong]

it will work on other pc's, but it will technically be illegal as the liscense for that copy is only for installations on dell pc's. (check the included ULA)

 

[Flaredair]

Originally posted by: lobadobadingdong
it will work on other pc's, but it will technically be illegal as the liscense for that copy is only for installations on dell pc's. (check the included ULA)

Review from Reseller Ratings:

11/11/04 11:37 AM
After installation of MS Office XP, I attempted to activate the software. MS replied that the product was already activated. G2G personnel advised to send email and I would get new product code. Two weeks later, no code and the software has stopped working due to lack of activation.
Call to G2G promised another email and I should hear back "tomorrow".

That should tell you to stay away!!!

 

[scoreadeal]

I've seen people on PriceGrabber selling those for as low as $50... but they come and go.

PriceGrabber

Does anyone know how the Media Center Edition stacks up against Pro? I really hate Home edition and like the bells and whistles of Media Center but don't want to end up with a Home edition that just has a fancy Plus pack...

 

[rvr2k3]

Originally posted by: scoreadeal
I've seen people on PriceGrabber selling those for as low as $50... but they come and go.

PriceGrabber

Does anyone know how the Media Center Edition stacks up against Pro? I really hate Home edition and like the bells and whistles of Media Center but don't want to end up with a Home edition that just has a fancy Plus pack...

MCE 2005 is Windows XP Pro without the ability to set up Domains once the OS is installed. There is a way to work around this, but I don't have the web site address available.

 

[krazzypanda]

My friend gave me his pirated Dell XP Home cd and it worked fine on his and my non dell comp.

 

[krazzypanda]

Whats annoying is that it has that Dell Support button in the start menu.

 

[Mloot]

Originally posted by: krazzypanda
My friend gave me his pirated Dell XP Home cd and it worked fine on his and my non dell comp.

:thumbsdown: Not a wise thing to admit to...

 

[RVN]

Originally posted by: krazzypanda
My friend gave me his pirated Dell XP Home cd and it worked fine on his and my non dell comp.

I cheated on my taxes!

Originally posted by: krazzypanda
Whats annoying is that it has that Dell Support button in the start menu.

Why don't you figure out how to uncheck the display manufacturer's link?

 

[Satyrist]

Originally posted by: krazzypanda
My friend gave me his pirated Dell XP Home cd and it worked fine on his and my non dell comp.

bye.

 

[ActuaryTm]

Originally posted by: rvr2k3
MCE 2005 is Windows XP Pro without the ability to set up Domains once the OS is installed. There is a way to work around this, but I don't have the web site address available.

Was actually a brief topic today in the TS2 seminar. According to the Microsoft representative, one can accomplish the above during an initial installation using the setup executable.

 

[bigboxes]

Originally posted by: RVNWhy don't you figure out how to uncheck the display manufacturer's link?

I am using Dell XP Pro on a non-Dell machine (with a legit key) and have been wondering how to get rid of that. Your suggestion helped me to figure it out. Thanks!

 

[Tam0]

Good luck!