reinstalling XP on a dell but with ACER discs?

[mike5721947]

well im wanting to reinstall XP and im not wanting to use the dell disc i was given with my computer as its only got SP1 on it. and we jsut got a new acer computer and its got its discs to install XP, and they have SP2. so im wondering what would happen if i used the acer discs?

all i can think is that i wont have the dell solution thing. (which isnt a big deal :rollin: )

[tjf0288]

well im wanting to reinstall XP and im not wanting to use the dell disc i was given with my computer as its only got SP1 on it. and we jsut got a new acer computer and its got its discs to install XP, and they have SP2. so im wondering what would happen if i used the acer discs?

all i can think is that i wont have the dell solution thing. (which isnt a big deal :rollin: )

Just when you go to activate it, make sure you call Microsoft and tell them you installed a new hardrive so that way they give you a code to activate it with, the one you have will not work.

-TJ

[cornelje]

It's pretty easy to fool Micro$oft. Just play dumb when you call them and a new activation is easy.

[rtsbasic]

Last time I tried using manufacture locked-in disks was back in the days of windows NT4, and a licence for a Dell workstation would only install on a Dell machine unless you made modifications to the disk. I'd guess they still use the same tactics to stop it working.

[cornelje]

Im using a dell version of xp pro sp1 on my homebuilt. Found a key online.

[xtra14]

i dunno about the acer discs, but dell is probebly the best to use for your dell computer, you might be ale to down load sp2 or find a dell disc that has sp2. also the acer disc wont reinstall all the dell drivers.

[rtsbasic]

Well service pack 2 is a free download, and doesn't take that long either..so I don't really see the advantage to using the Acer disk, espically when there's a risk it may not work correctly.

[mike5721947]

well the crisis is adverted. i was able to finally reinstall my version of XP on this bloody computer (i almost threw it out the window a few times) :mad: :mad:
i was wanting to use the acer discs cause they have sp2 and some other updates (and security updates) already installed when its installed.

i ended up having to install my norton anti virus (which i hate using) on the computer jsut so when i first install my internet connection i dont get tons of viruses. (im using avg mostly now but i have zone alarm and norton on the computer right now, jsut for good measure)

but its finally up and running (after a few hours of hunting for drivers for my sound card and other little things.)

i also got my computer all cleaned out inside (opened up the case and wiped it all down (removed heatsinks and cleaned them) and vacummed out the vent holes in the back, which have been plugged for who knows how long) :rollin: