My sister is going to invest in a MacBook Pro, but wants/needs to keep Windows around.

Any discounts on Windows or is it the same regardless of where you buy?

Thanks.

 

Does she have a copy already on a different computer?

 

Their laptops are from Dell and I believe they just got the system restore disks and not an actual copy of the OS. I think...

 

Shouldn't matter - you still have a valid key (providing you are tossing the old Dell's)...Just download the OS somewhere...

 

I've heard that the OEM keys won't activate against a retail copy of the OS. That may just be rumor though.

 

I think it does. You can always play around with the key changer program (or download it illegally).

 

You can do a full install with an upgrade disc (with Vista that is). The trick is while doing the full install don't enter the upgrade product key (you actually DO NOT have to enter the product key during install) then choose the correct version of Vista to install. let it finish installing and then when you got it up and running you have to run the install again from within Vista which this time it will allow you to "upgrade" from the unactivated install you just did to a legit one using that upgrade product key. So you'll have to install Vista twice one over top of the other but it will save you $100 so it's an hour well spent.

 

find a student in a state university, they can get full copies for ~20 bucks.

 

Been checking with people at Purdue, no luck yet...

 

Or who has a retail copy lying around?

 

Bitorrent...

 

go get an OEM copy at like PC Club or something.

 

Sure... But I don't want to put that on their computer. My luck, it'd be a botched hack and they'd get busted somehow.

 

Details?

 

I was cleaning the server room today and found a copy of XP Pro for Dell computers. I was going to throw it away, then I saw this thread. Not sure if this is what you need though.

 

Would it install on something other than a Dell? That is the question.

 

no, just dell.

 

Naw... I need a retail disk, I think. This is going on a Mac.

 

It would install, however it may only accept keys that were given to Dell (which may work if you have the XP key).

 

MS has removed the requirement that you buy an OEM copy of their OS'es with a hard drive/mobo etc.

Basically, it comes in a paper/bubble wrap envelope, with a CD, a license key on a sticker, which is handy to put on the machine, and a book that says "call your PC manufacturer for support"

Beware, you'll get no help from MS on this product, save for activation issues.

I'm assuming your sis is in the Chicago area...(which means you have no PCClubs )

All the products:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...indows&x=0&y=0

IMHO, stay the hell away from Vista, and you can get XP Pro for about $30 more than Home

XP Home price:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116511

 

I've boot camped a mac mini with an OEM disc of XP Home, and I forgot to mention that shipping is usually Free.99 at the Egg

 

dang... 130 bux for windows XP

 

hmmmmmm

 

OEM versions of Microsoft's operating systems are supposed to be used only be system builders that are reselling computers. That said, everybody and their brother that has built a machine on their own has purchased and installed an OEM version of XP (can't speak for Vista).

Remember that as part of activation, the OS creates some unique system ID values based on hardware components and sends those to the mothership for clearance. Speaking theoretically, Microsoft could prohibit activation of an OEM version of XP on Apple hardware. And remember with the Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) mechanism, they could do this pretty much whenever they felt like it. I think they would have complete PR hell to pay if they did that, but it is theoretically possible.

 

Bitorrent looks pretty good now, doesn't it...

 

lol

Yes, it does.

 

I was thinking the same thing, actually. While I don't feel like reading through their EULA, I'm sure it's in there. Wouldn't that be something if they were to deny activation.

 

^ True they could.

Would they? No way.

That would put small system builders out of business (I know my town isn't the only one with the really annoying asshole talking about his computer store and blah blah on the radio), and the sum total of all of those probably make a significant chunk of their OEM sales.

I have installed many OEM copies of XP and a few of Vista (about 20 for friends, etc.)

The rule with XP used to be a hard drive or mobo/CPU. Then resellers started selling it with $1 IDE cables. Then MS just siad screw it and you needn't purchase hardware anymore.

 

Well it gives you a great excuse to talk to college girls...

 

I have an unused full version of Vista Ultimate lying around I'd be willing to sell? How much are you looking to spend?

 

If this is a Mac with an intel processor, you'll be fine. There is no penalty regarding your hardware. MS doesnt care.

 

$100.

Honestly, as little as possible. A copy of XP Home would be just fine.

 

I got some WinME keys lying around somewhere...

 

Oh god...

 

I've used a Dell XP CD to reformat and install on a Toshiba laptop before using the XP Product Key off of the laptop. Since your sister has a Dell laptop, why not use the Product Key from that laptop unless it doesn't say 1 - 2 CPU? Activate it and you're golden.

 

And I've got Win95 and Win98 OS on CD,+ codes, if anyone needs those.

 

Just get an OEM copy.

OEM is fine (and legal) if you actually build your own PC. It just does not come with manuals or a service contract.

$100 and legit.

 

XP or Vista, that is the question.

 

XP. Vista is slow and bloated. Haven't you seen the Mac commercials?

 

I think I have a copy of XP Pro lying around...along with the codes...I'll look for it later today.