I have been given a dell laptop which is an ex county council one and has been totally data wiped.I want to install windows xp on it but am unsure about where to get the appropriate software to load it.I have seen various home editions on e-bay,but would i be better off buying one from PC World or similar .? Thanks in advance -Dave

I'd get a OEM copy of XP Pro from the likes of ebuyer et al. You'll have to buy a piece of hardware with it to qualify for an OEM edition, something like a mouse, hard drive, cable etc etc will do.

Edit: actually has it still got its product code sticker on it?

I'd get a OEM copy of XP Pro from the likes of ebuyer et al. You'll have to buy a piece of hardware with it to qualify for an OEM edition, something like a mouse, hard drive, cable etc etc will do.

Edit: actually has it still got its product code sticker on it?

Just asked for a copy of XP Pro - got an oem copy,paid up and that was that -no probs validating .

Was going to ask the same thing, to see if it still had the COA sticker on the base.

Steve

I dont know about the coa as i have yet to pick it up, but how much would i pay for a simple home edition ?

I think what the guys are trying to say is that if it still has the COA on the bottom you DO NOT have to buy another genuine copy. The license in Dells case will go with the machine. So if you can get hold of a genuine install disc of the Operating System that is on your notebook you can legally use that and the original COA.

Failing that as mentioned above you could buy an OEM version of XP, either Home or PRO. These range in price depending on where you buy it from. They can be had on eBay from around £35 or can be bought from eBuyer & aria etc from about £65 i think. If you go for an OEM copy as opposed to a retail copy that license lives and dies with that machine. It cannot be transferred to another machine in the future, whereas if you were to buy a retail copy (expensive) that can be transferred to another machine.

Before you do anything though i would do a quick google on the notebook you are getting/got to see if there is any problem locating any drivers you might need. I doubt it, but its worth checking first.

HTH

I should have a Dell OEM XP Pro installation disk that came with my old laptop that you are welcome to have FOC as long as I can find it.

I should have a Dell OEM XP Pro installation disk that came with my old laptop that you are welcome to have FOC as long as I can find it.

Thanks Simon, let me know if you do find it and ill pm you re collection ,-regards Dave.

Dave, found the disk. Can you PM me your address again and I'll drop it in as I will be in St Euny tomorrow.

:thumbup:SimonJ

Wack Linux on that badboy.

I can send you a copy with a product key. All above bored and that....

Big :thumbup:to Simon J for delivering windows xp to me .Thank you Simon ,all installed and running spot on