operating system cd dillema

[Jau_Peacecraft]

alright, im planning to finally reformat my HD and finally get rid of these fucking IRQL errors with a fresh install of xp. problem is, getting a copy of it and such to install. however, a friend found a packet that has an operating system cd and the acompanying windows xp home edition booklet.
But on the cd it says "for distibution for HP and Compaq comps only" and im un sure if it would work if i tried using it to install on a non HP/Compaq comp. Another friend said it does matter, but the same one who lent it to me said it shouldn't. And ive already checked the torrents and dc++ but didnt find much. Thanks

[mountain_rage]

You can only run copies of windows xp home with the computer it relates to. The authentication code is generated using the components inside the computer. So no you cant use it. The only copies that will work on your machine are pro or coporate edition.

[.:sp00ky:.]

home edition would work too if its a OEM copy

[Jau_Peacecraft]

i think its an OEM, sounds like it would be this definition: Short for original equipment manufacturer, which is a misleading term for a company that has a special relationship with computer producers. OEMs buy computers in bulk and customize them for a particular application. They then sell the customized computer under their own name. The term is really a misnomer because OEMs are not the original manufacturers -- they are the customizers.

it did come with my friends comp so :shrug: ill try it out anyways, worst thing is it'll just not work.

[zarquon]

How can you not find a torrent??? There's hundreds of them. try harder.

[Krell]

Most any file sharing app will do

I suggest you search for XP Pro w SP2 built in

get that if you can find it, use a V***** L******* K** for the seriel

.

[Malakai1911]

get that if you can find it, use a V***** L******* K** for the seriel.

And make sure its the "V***** L****** K**" edition copy when you download it, otherwise it wont work (well, unless you can find a special "C********" package.

I'd be more specific but I think Krell set the bar for this one.

[axlman]

Actually, if it is a actual XP CD and is not a "HP Restore" CD, then yes, you can use it! You can load it on any machine.

Again, make sure that it is not a HP Restore CD

[Jau_Peacecraft]

It dosen't say HP restore cd, this is what's on the cd:
[It's blakc btw, I'm fairly sure HP recovery cds are usually blue]

Operating System CD
Microsoft Windows XP Home SP1a
English
Only for distribution with an HP or Compaq PC
Support for this CD provided by HP

Also, it dosent have the HP logo plastered on the front. I'll ask my friend if he had to install the OS with the disk; if he did then I'm pretty sure it'll work on mine.

[Krell]

Why dont you just TRY it, and see if it lets you?

I would still get THE copy I mentioned, instead of trying to upgrade fro SP1 to the SP2, causes a few problems.


.

[Jau_Peacecraft]

lol, i no im getting anoyyed by myself posting so much, but this is the only comp i have. slightly paranoid about fucking things up, it would take another 2 to 3 months before id be able to get a new one.

i couldnt find what you were talking bout though, krell. I did have a good torrent for an .nrg but its stuck at 80%.

[mountain_rage]

You cant really screw your comp up trying to install windows xp. If your really that paranoid install it as a secondary os and see if it works if it does then reinstall it compleatly.