I have a Dell desktop PC running XP (love it!) and a Compaq laptop PC
running Vista (hate it!).

This is probably a dumb question, but can I use my Dell XP restore disks to
"restore" my laptop to the XP operating system? Probably not, but I had to
ask. Vista is just dreadful.

Thanks!

 

it is highly unlikely that
you can use this method.

dell includes their proprietary
system files and compaq
has their own.

if you try, you will likely
make a mess of things and
spend many days and
sleepless nights trying to
get everything back to the
way it was.

however, you might want to
look into buying an xp theme
to install in vista.

something like windows blinds
and other makers provide
themes.

also, keep in mind that if you
install a third party program,

always make a system restore
point before hand.

but if I'm not mistake vista
automatically does.

--
db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>

DatabaseBen, Retired Professional

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This NNTP newsgroup is evolving to:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/default.aspx


"RW" <ranger52oc@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:eqtvvGG#KHA.4564@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> I have a Dell desktop PC running XP (love it!) and a Compaq laptop PC
> running Vista (hate it!).
>
> This is probably a dumb question, but can I use my Dell XP restore disks
> to "restore" my laptop to the XP operating system? Probably not, but I had
> to ask. Vista is just dreadful.
>
> Thanks!
>

 

On 05/20/2010 04:16 PM, RW wrote:
> I have a Dell desktop PC running XP (love it!) and a Compaq laptop PC
> running Vista (hate it!).
>
> This is probably a dumb question, but can I use my Dell XP restore disks to
> "restore" my laptop to the XP operating system? Probably not, but I had to
> ask. Vista is just dreadful.
>
> Thanks!
>
>


No

Might check with the mfg though to see if XP drivers are avail for that
machine, if so
you could put a fresh copy of XP on it

 

RW wrote:

> I have a Dell desktop PC running XP (love it!) and a Compaq laptop PC
> running Vista (hate it!).
>
> This is probably a dumb question, but can I use my Dell XP restore disks to
> "restore" my laptop to the XP operating system? Probably not, but I had to
> ask. Vista is just dreadful.
>
> Thanks!

You only have 1 license to each instance of Windows. You indicate
nowhere that you purchased another license of Windows XP. If you have a
retail full version of Windows XP on the desktop then you can install it
on your laptop but only after losing it on your desktop. This is not a
pro-piracy newsgroup.

 

RW wrote:
> I have a Dell desktop PC running XP (love it!) and a Compaq laptop PC
> running Vista (hate it!).
>
> This is probably a dumb question, but can I use my Dell XP restore disks to
> "restore" my laptop to the XP operating system? Probably not, but I had to
> ask. Vista is just dreadful.
>
> Thanks!

If you have drivers for that piece of hardware, you could
always buy one of these.

Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP3 English 1 Pack for System Builders DSP OEI CD - OEM $99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116583

Delivery Service Partner, Original Equipment Integrator, Original Equipment Manufacturer

Products like that won't last long. WinXP Pro at the same site, is sold out, leaving
WinXP Home.

Paul

 

RW wrote:
> I have a Dell desktop PC running XP (love it!) and a Compaq laptop PC
> running Vista (hate it!).
>
> This is probably a dumb question, but can I use my Dell XP restore disks to
> "restore" my laptop to the XP operating system? Probably not, but I had to
> ask. Vista is just dreadful.
>
> Thanks!
>
>


No. By your own admission, you have an OEM license for WinXP that
came with the Dell. An OEM version must be sold with a piece of
hardware (normally a motherboard or hard rive, if not an entire PC) and
is _permanently_ bound to the first PC on which it's installed. An OEM
license, once installed, is not legally transferable to another computer
under _any_ circumstances.

Additionally, it's probably *not* technically possible, in your
case. You most likely have a BIOS-locked OEM Recovery CD that is
specifically designed to install only on the hardware with which it was
purchased, in order to prevent the sort of software piracy you're
contemplating.

If you really can't learn to use Vista (which is perfectly fine on
compatible hardware), and truly want to downgrade the newer computer to
an obsolete OS, you'll have to purchase a license for WinXP.

Further, there could be a couple possible adverse repercussions of
which you should be aware. First and foremost, if the specific computer
model in question was designed specifically for Vista, there may well be
no WinXP-specific device drivers available to make the computer's
diverse components work properly. Consult the computer's manufacturer
about the availability of device drivers. Secondly, removing an
OEM-installed operating system and replacing it with another will almost
invariably void any and all support agreements and, sometimes, even the
warranty. You would, at the very least, have to re-install Vista before
getting any support from the manufacturer. Again, consult the
computer's manufacturer for specifics.



--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

No.

RW wrote:
> I have a Dell desktop PC running XP (love it!) and a Compaq laptop PC
> running Vista (hate it!).
>
> This is probably a dumb question, but can I use my Dell XP restore disks
> to
> "restore" my laptop to the XP operating system? Probably not, but I had to
> ask. Vista is just dreadful.
>
> Thanks!