Question:
Installed WinXP MCE on Inspiron 1100, worked!!!
I used the $10 Dell WinXP MCE DVD that came with my E1505 to do a clean XP install on my old Inspiron 1100. Bit surprised.
The XP install routine went w/o a hitch, NO activation code needed, the install included the Dell 30 minute banner, again no problems. The biggest problem was the small starting screen, VGA or less. Had to quickly install the Intel video driver to get to XGA.
My conclusion, those red Dell WinXP MCE DVD's are gold, worth the $10.
BTW, the 1100 is off to PA tomorrow, sold to an eBay buyer. :)
Hermit
Answer:
Re: Installed WinXP MCE on Inspiron 1100, worked!!!
So, what are you running on your 1505? You can't use your copy of MCE anymore, since it's now on the 1100. How did you move your COA from the 1505? Those things are pretty sticky.
Answer:
Re: Installed WinXP MCE on Inspiron 1100, worked!!!
Good job, you just technically commited a crime. If you're still using your MCE on the 1505 and have it installed another computer then sold to another party. Illegal to run two copies of the same operating system on 2 seperate systems.
Answer:
Re: Installed WinXP MCE on Inspiron 1100, worked!!!
So, what are you running on your 1505? You can't use your copy of MCE anymore, since it's now on the 1100.
Obviously I did and the E1505 has XP MCE from the very same DVD. That was my "Bit Surprised."
Good job, you just technically commited a crime. If you're still using your MCE on the 1505 and have it installed another computer then sold to another party. Illegal to run two copies of the same operating system on 2 seperate systems.
Technically perhaps, you suppose Bill is going to come down from his perch and get me? :p
Besides the 1100 has with it a still shrink wrapped copy of XP Home that the buyer will receive.
This was and is an intellectual exercise into what is possible. I would assume that by MS giving Dell this unrestricted freedom, Dell agrees to pay an OS fee for every unit sold. Except for servers, I don't think it possible to buy a Dell w/o an OS.
Hermit
Answer:
Re: Installed WinXP MCE on Inspiron 1100, worked!!!
Says I paid for my operating system on my invoice. At a lower than retail cost but says I paid for it.
Answer:
Re: Installed WinXP MCE on Inspiron 1100, worked!!!
Okay, the reason Dell's don't need keys upon installation, is because they can't input all the keys manually on every machine produced, simply because it'd take too much time, and Dell doesn't boot up the system (the Customer is the first to boot, unless it's a refurb).
What you should of done, was take the XP Home you are shipping it with and install that. Technically, you are no longer legally allowed to run MCE on your E1505 since you installed it on the 1100. Just because it lets you, doesn't mean it's legal. Your car (at least most) let you go 100+, but that doesn't mean it's legal ;)
As for Dell shipping machines minus Operating Systems, you can only do that in the Business sections, due to support reasons. Dell cannot support Operating Systems they don't know, or don't ship with. Same thing goes with Businesses, but most have VLK's and such, so they make exceptions there...
Answer:
Okay, the reason Dell's don't need keys upon installation, is because they can't input all the keys manually on every machine produced, simply because it'd take too much time
Having a key for a new computer is quite different than a key on a reinstall. All the time I did this I was expecting either a key request or some other interupt. Just didn't happen . . . surprised. I sold the 1100 to an eBayer w/o OS installed. The only reason my red DVD was in there was to format the HD. So I did a "what the hay" let's see what happens. Surprised it worked.
Having a key for a new computer is quite different than a key on a reinstall. All the time I did this I was expecting either a key request or some other interupt. Just didn't happen . . . surprised. I sold the 1100 to an eBayer w/o OS installed. The only reason my red DVD was in there was to format the HD. So I did a "what the hay" let's see what happens. Surprised it worked.
So how does Dell know the PC is good? What if there's a loose connection? Doesn't seem possible to not boot as part of QA.
Hermit
That's quite the opposite, a key is a key. It is good for a new machine, reinstall, whatever. However, most keys can only be activated twice. It doesn't matter what you have done, an activation is an activation. It doesn't ask for a key, nor is it supposed to.
As for QA, Dell runs an extended POST (Power on Self Test) prior to shipping, but never actually boots.