Operating System Question

Metzger · 10-07-2005

I have a lame question, but this could potentially save me a lot of money, so here it goes...

I bought my current computer with Windows 98 pre-installed on it, and awhile ago I decided to upgrade to XP. I went out, bought it, and intalled it with no problems, but it did require me to register it.

Now I'm looking into buying a new computer without a pre-installed OS, so i was wondering if I could save myself some money buy using the old disk again. I could go and get it at lower price from a local college, but it's still going to cost me.

What are your thoughts?

(BTW, I know Windows sucks, so if your a Mac user, please refrain from reminding me a billion times.)

Big Red 11 · 10-07-2005

Windows in no way sucks. What i think you can do is unregister the xp and reinstall it on the new comp and register it. You might not be able to do that, i really have no idea, but you should find out.

Sidewinder · 10-07-2005

You should be able to use it. If it is liscenced to YOU, then you can use it on one computer of your choice. If you get confused, give Microsoft a ring.

Sypher · 10-07-2005

You can't buy a computer without an OS. It's illegal to sell one without an OS. You can buy parts and build it yourself if that's what you mean.

As far as I know if you registered XP you will not be able to install to another computer again. You may be able to install the HDD in a new computer and pray that it doesn't **** itself. Good luck.

Metzger · 10-08-2005

I'm not disagreeing with you here, but why would it be illegal to sell a PC without an operating system? What harm would that do?

But yeah, I'm really just buying a case, motherboard, and CPU preassembled. I'll put all the other stuff in it later. And I really can't swap the HDD because my current one is only 20 gigs, and my mom would like to have this set up.