Dell laptop OS transfer?

[statsman]

We currently own an older Dell Inspiron laptop (forgot the model number) that has Windows XP installed. The laptop is physically getting worn out (one key cover won't stay on, sound plug connection is shorting, etc.), so we are looking for a replacement.

I would like to purchase another Inspiron laptop, but they only come with Windows Vista. Can the Windows XP license on our older laptop be transferred to a new laptop? I recall reading something about the Dell OS licenses being machine/BIOS dependent, so my first guess would be no.

[OAG]

Call MS 1-800 Number and ask. I am pretty sure if you tell them you will remove it from the old machine to install on the new machine they will issue you a ID to make it legal.

[statsman]

According to a poster on Dell's forum, the version of Windows XP installed on the laptop is OEM, meaning it can only be used on that laptop and cannot be transferred.

I guess I will check out our local electronic stores to see if one of their in-store laptops (Toshiba, Sony, HP) has Windows XP Pro installed.

[cute fuzzy bunny]

OEM copies of microsoft operating systems are specific to the machine they're installed on and cant be transferred. If you bought a full XP license as a separate item, then it can be transferred.

But if its the OS that dell installed and its an OEM version, thats a no-go.

You can buy a full copy of XP and install that on your new machine, and then transfer it as often as you like.

That having been said, vista isnt really that bad. I hated it when it first came out but since SP1 its been quite solid.

[statsman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cute fuzzy bunny That having been said, vista isnt really that bad. I hated it when it first came out but since SP1 its been quite solid.

Will I run into any issues using Vista SP1 on a home network where everything else is running XP Pro SP3?

[cute fuzzy bunny]

I wouldnt think so. We have one vista laptop, an XP SP3 laptop and a desktop with XP SP3. Doesnt seem to be any sort of problems.

Only thing I've heard of being an interoperability issue is that by default vista does some QOS and IPV6 stuff and one or the other may confuse some older, off brand routers. But you can simply deselect those in the network setup if thats an issue.

[Red Rover]

Quote:

Will I run into any issues using Vista SP1 on a home network where everything else is running XP Pro SP3?

When I changed over to Vista I had to get a new printer because my old printer wasn't Vista compatible. Also, I had to get a new external hard drive for the same reason but then found that even though the new drive said it was "vista compatible" it wouldn't automatically transfer the files over which is why I bought the thing. I had to transfer the files manually every time I wanted to save them. I ended up just signing up for an online storage service which would automatically save all changed files and I didn't have to remember to save them externally.

This was about 6 months after Vista came out so these problems may have been resolved by now.

It probably won't affect your networking capability among computers.

Also, you may want to consider getting the transfer cord. I can't remember the exact name of it, but it costs about $50 and enables you to transfer all your files from your SP machine to your Vista one really quickly and easily. I believe it retains all your inbox addresses, settings, etc. too. I just remember it made things really, really easy when transferring from the XP to Vista PC.

[cute fuzzy bunny]

There is that. Some OS intrinsic applications like old backup tools and devices with old drivers may not run under vista and you may have to pay for newer s/w or a newer device.

A lot of incompatibilities were fixed by SP1 and a lot of companies finally got vista compatible versions of s/w out the door.

[statsman]

Thanks for the information about Vista. I have one more question. I checked Microsoft's web site, but couldn't locate the specific information I was looking for.

I purchased XP Pro over XP Home primarily for the extra security features (user groups) and Remote Desktop, which allows me to update my daughter's PC without the need to enter her space room.

Which versions of Vista will not support these capabilities? I do not wish to purchase a "Home XP" version of Vista, if that makes any sense.

[cute fuzzy bunny]

Windows Vista: Compare editions

Do note that according to this chart you may only have more fun with your computer if you buy vista premium or ultimate. If you buy basic or business, you're going to have to have a bad to middling time and suck it up.

Looks like you need Business or Ultimate to be == to xp pro.

Not sure which 'user groups' feature you needed that was in Pro and not in Home...group policies? The remote control capabilities can be had with free add ons like VNC.

In any case I dont recommend vista basic. You can usually get premium for just a few bucks more than basic and there are a ton of features in premium vs basic.

[OAG]

Sorry if this a bit off topic but the Business and Ultimate versions of Vista actually have a pretty good backup and encryption system built in where the lesser versions do not. You can do a full image backup at will and automatic file backups on schedule and in the background.