Dell's OS package...

Ladogaboy · 10-08-2002, 02:08 AM

When you get a computer through Dell, does it come with an actual copy of the OS, or is it a proprietary version a la Compaq, HP, etc.?

Thanks.

ribitch · 10-08-2002, 05:15 AM

dells come with a full install of windows, but it runs a check on the BIOS to tell if the board is from dell. If its not, you cannot install windows

win2k has a workaround, so i assume the workaround for win XP is available

spigidygak · 10-08-2002, 11:04 AM

ehrm. . . I don't think that was answering his question at all

As far as I know they come with the disc. We have bought 3 dells waaaay back haven't for 3 or so years now and each one came with a disc. Had some friends who bought one a few months ago and it came with the disc.

Ladogaboy · 10-08-2002, 12:16 PM

Well, ribitch might have been answering my question. The reason I ask is this: some of the Dell deals have been looking pretty good lately, and it would almost be cheaper to get the CPU and a few other things in a Dell package than to buy them separately. If they do come with a full-install Windows disk, I'd like to know that if I upgrade my system, will I still be able to us Windows install, or will it just be a waste of my money?

I know some systems come with "recovery disks" which aren't a true Win xx disks, they just happen to install an OS while they are reverting the system back to factory.

ribitch · 10-08-2002, 12:37 PM

like i said, its a full install, but there is a bios check that keeps you from installing on a nondell motherboard. If you look on the net, you may find a workaround for the XP disc. The 2k disc required editting a file with a hex editor and reburning the cd. XP probably works the same way since its basically the same installer

Ladogaboy · 10-08-2002, 12:48 PM

Thanks.

Arg, I hate that though. They make you buy a license that you are not able to use later... and they wonder why piracy runs rampant.

spigidygak · 10-08-2002, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ladogaboy
Thanks.

Arg, I hate that though. They make you buy a license that you are not able to use later... and they wonder why piracy runs rampant.

Heh yeah, thats one good move apple made by offering the family pack license for a great price.

10-08-2002, 02:08 AM	#1
Ladogaboy Admiral Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Hiding amongst the minnows Posts: 6,843	Dell's OS package... When you get a computer through Dell, does it come with an actual copy of the OS, or is it a proprietary version a la Compaq, HP, etc.? Thanks. __________________ It is not enough to merely touch the face of god; you also must open your eyes so that you may see your palm.

10-08-2002, 05:15 AM	#2
ribitch Rear Admiral Upper Half Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,672	dells come with a full install of windows, but it runs a check on the BIOS to tell if the board is from dell. If its not, you cannot install windows win2k has a workaround, so i assume the workaround for win XP is available __________________ http://ribitch.com/ipod.html

10-08-2002, 11:04 AM	#3
spigidygak Admiral Join Date: May 2000 Location: Redlands & San Diego, CA. Posts: 5,882	ehrm. . . I don't think that was answering his question at all As far as I know they come with the disc. We have bought 3 dells waaaay back haven't for 3 or so years now and each one came with a disc. Had some friends who bought one a few months ago and it came with the disc. __________________

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10-08-2002, 12:16 PM	#4
Ladogaboy Admiral Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Hiding amongst the minnows Posts: 6,843	Well, ribitch might have been answering my question. The reason I ask is this: some of the Dell deals have been looking pretty good lately, and it would almost be cheaper to get the CPU and a few other things in a Dell package than to buy them separately. If they do come with a full-install Windows disk, I'd like to know that if I upgrade my system, will I still be able to us Windows install, or will it just be a waste of my money? I know some systems come with "recovery disks" which aren't a true Win xx disks, they just happen to install an OS while they are reverting the system back to factory.

10-08-2002, 12:37 PM	#5
ribitch Rear Admiral Upper Half Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,672	like i said, its a full install, but there is a bios check that keeps you from installing on a nondell motherboard. If you look on the net, you may find a workaround for the XP disc. The 2k disc required editting a file with a hex editor and reburning the cd. XP probably works the same way since its basically the same installer

10-08-2002, 12:48 PM	#6
Ladogaboy Admiral Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Hiding amongst the minnows Posts: 6,843	Thanks. Arg, I hate that though. They make you buy a license that you are not able to use later... and they wonder why piracy runs rampant.

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