celestia671
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Thu Dec-09-04 11:42 PM
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Question about computers... |
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My father has the ancient Windows ME on his computer and I would like to see him get XP. I have a restore disk for my Dell with XP on it, can I use this for a Gateway? Thanks!
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democracyindanger
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Thu Dec-09-04 11:45 PM
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you couldn't use it on your Dell. MS product activation will stop you:
Product Activation Overview Microsoft Product Activation is an anti-piracy technology designed to verify that software products have been legitimately licensed. This aims to reduce a form of piracy known as casual copying. Activation also helps protect against hard drive cloning. Activation is quick, simple, and unobtrusive, and it protects your privacy.
Product Activation works by verifying that a software program's product key has not been used on more personal computers than intended by the software's license. You must use the product key in order to install the software and then it is transformed into an installation ID number. You use an activation wizard to provide the installation ID number to Microsoft either through a secure transfer over the Internet, or by telephone. A confirmation ID is sent back to your machine to activate your product.
The installation ID number includes an encrypted form of the product ID and a hardware hash, or checksum. No personally identifying data is included or required. The confirmation ID is simply an unlocking code for the Windows XP installation on that particular PC.
If you overhaul your computer by replacing a substantial number of hardware components, it may appear to be a different PC. You may have to reactivate Windows XP. If this should occur, you can call the telephone number displayed on the activation screen to reactivate the software.
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celestia671
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Thu Dec-09-04 11:46 PM
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Oh well, I might try to find it on Ebay. Thanks for your help!
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democracyindanger
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Thu Dec-09-04 11:53 PM
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newegg.com
xp pro goes for under $100 there.
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neoteric lefty
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Thu Dec-09-04 11:54 PM
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I've heard that people sell as original copies but they end up being burned copies with nice labels on them. If you are going the legit route, purchase an OEM version of XP Home or XP Pro (Upgrade around $50-100; Full version around $75-150) from a reputable online retailer. They are 100% legal, they just do not include all that fancy packaging. Anything is better than Windows ME including Win98. Check the computer's specs before you make a purchase. If he has got less than 256mb of RAM, then XP will quite pretty slow even if only using it for internet or word processing.
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mike_c
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Thu Dec-09-04 11:49 PM
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3. I needed Win98SE for an older laptop and found copies... |
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Edited on Thu Dec-09-04 11:52 PM by mike_c
...on the Gnutella network, via Limewire IIRC.
on edit-- the XP activation system would likely be a problem-- I've had to call MS about my LEGAL copy of XP Pro when I've reinstalled it on the computer I bought it for.
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neoteric lefty
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Thu Dec-09-04 11:57 PM
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6. :cough: :cough: illegal :cough: |
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just kidding :)
The XP activation system is non-existent for pre SP2 systems. From what I remember, they were going to make it quite intrusive; actually taking a snapshot of your computer's hardware and linking that info to the registration number. I have installed OEM versions on about 10 machines (both pro and home) and have never run into anything more than a product key. But that's only OEM versions, I may be wrong about the rest.
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DU
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Fri Apr 26th 2024, 07:14 AM
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