Windows... where can I get it??

happydude · happydude #1 (**permalink**)

06-25-2007, 06:37 PM

Stupid question;

I'm typing this message on a Dell desktop running Windows XP SP2, getting my MBP tomorrow. I've got my Windows CD, I think, plus the CD key. Can I use this CD for Bootcamp purposes or am I going to have to track down a copy of XP/Vista for $300 just to play a few old games???

rift0065 · rift0065 #2 (**permalink**)

06-25-2007, 06:46 PM

I'm sure it would work, but I believe it would be illegal to install it on more than one computer, or on a computer other than the one it was shipped with. I may be wrong though.

cwa107 · cwa107 #3 (**permalink**)

06-25-2007, 07:03 PM

No, you can't use it. Firstly because the Windows CD that came with your Dell is tied specifically to Dell hardware, and secondly because Microsoft's product activation allows for one copy of Windows to be installed on only one machine at a time.

You can purchase a non-branded OEM copy of Windows XP from just about anywhere for around $100.

happydude · happydude #4 (**permalink**)

06-25-2007, 07:06 PM

Thought so, ****. Oh well, thanks anyway.

Edit, on that note, would I be better off getting a copy of Vista *shudder*???

fleurya · fleurya #5 (**permalink**)

06-25-2007, 11:29 PM

It depends on what you're going to do, but I would say you're better off just sticking with XP. It's more widely compatible with programs than Vista (right now) and Vista is still kinda buggy from what I hear. Since the Windows OS will just be more of necessary evil than your primary OS, just go with the cheap, reliable (

) option.

If were a college student or something, you could probably get it for $5-10 as most colleges have deals with MS to buy software very cheap. In fact, a lot of times students can buy more than one version, for instance, when there's more than one available like XP and Vista.

dtravis7 · dtravis7 #6 (**permalink**)

06-25-2007, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by happydude

Thought so, ****. Oh well, thanks anyway.

Edit, on that note, would I be better off getting a copy of Vista *shudder*???

I would stick with XP like was already said. Vista has problems with some software and driver issues. XP is stable and everything works with it.

Smackintosh · Smackintosh #7 (**permalink**)

06-26-2007, 08:22 AM

Just an FYI:

you need to have xp with SP2 interegrated for bootcamp.

happydude #4 (permalink)
Member Since: May 25, 2007 Location: Manitoba, Canada Posts: 18 Mac Specs: IPod Nano - 2GB	06-25-2007, 07:06 PM Thought so, ***. Oh well, thanks anyway. Edit, on that note, would I be better off getting a copy of Vista shudder??? Last edited by happydude; 06-25-2007 at 07:12 PM.*
	QUOTE Thanks

fleurya #5 (permalink)
Member Since: Nov 18, 2006 Location: Anytown, USA Posts: 4,876 Mac Specs: 27" iMac 2.7GHz Core i5, iPhone 4S, 3rd gen iPad	06-25-2007, 11:29 PM It depends on what you're going to do, but I would say you're better off just sticking with XP. It's more widely compatible with programs than Vista (right now) and Vista is still kinda buggy from what I hear. Since the Windows OS will just be more of necessary evil than your primary OS, just go with the cheap, reliable () option. If were a college student or something, you could probably get it for $5-10 as most colleges have deals with MS to buy software very cheap. In fact, a lot of times students can buy more than one version, for instance, when there's more than one available like XP and Vista. "Give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others"
	QUOTE Thanks

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Mac user in a Windows world - Issues to be aware ???	gunavardhan	Running Windows (or anything else) on your Mac	1	01-18-2007 11:19 AM
Windows 2003 File Server & Quark	kegwell	OS X - Operating System	0	01-15-2007 02:35 PM
Windows Tweaks and Security	PowerBookG4	Running Windows (or anything else) on your Mac	5	07-07-2006 12:31 AM
Windows apps without Windows	coltssaturday	Schweb's Lounge	8	06-30-2006 06:12 PM
Windows XP on my mac	natey	Switcher Hangout	5	03-14-2004 01:00 AM

Windows... where can I get it??

Internet Services

Web Development

Digital Marketing

Consumer Tech

happydude #1 (permalink)
Member Since: May 25, 2007 Location: Manitoba, Canada Posts: 18 Mac Specs: IPod Nano - 2GB	06-25-2007, 06:37 PM Stupid question; I'm typing this message on a Dell desktop running Windows XP SP2, getting my MBP tomorrow. I've got my Windows CD, I think, plus the CD key. Can I use this CD for Bootcamp purposes or am I going to have to track down a copy of XP/Vista for $300 just to play a few old games???
	QUOTE Thanks

rift0065 #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Sep 22, 2006 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 84 Mac Specs: Macbook Pro 2.16 Ghz C2D, 2 Gigs RAM and Macbook 2 Ghz CD 1 Gig RAM	06-25-2007, 06:46 PM I'm sure it would work, but I believe it would be illegal to install it on more than one computer, or on a computer other than the one it was shipped with. I may be wrong though.
	QUOTE Thanks

Smackintosh #7 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 31, 2005 Posts: 164	06-26-2007, 08:22 AM Just an FYI: you need to have xp with SP2 interegrated for bootcamp.
	QUOTE Thanks

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)