Last december we got a package computer deal that included Windows XP Home Edition that was pre installed. I have the three cd's that came with the system in the event of a failure. They restore the system to what it would have been when the computer came out of the box. Here's my question: It's written clearly on all three discs that they will only work with an EMachines pc (brand name of computer). Is it true that they will only work on their systems or could I load it up to another machine I have? I see no reason why I just can't run the install program on any computer.

*EDIT* This was meant for off topic...oh well!


[Modified by Stingy74, 12:05 AM 5/7/2002]

 

Those restore disks usually work on any system. Some manufacturers in the past had a program to check the volume name of the system to ensure it was being restored back on their system. I am not sure if E is doing this or not. The problem with doing this type of install is:

1) Your PC is wiped clean and fresh installed with the OS and apps.
2) If the disks were made for a specific machine, some drivers may be missing. Not to say you could not install the correct drivers at a later time, but if its a core driver for a disk or motherboard resource, you could have some unexpected results(NT,W2K,XP more so than Win9x).

I have used Compaq restore disk on other systems is the past without too much of a PITA(Compaq did use a volume checker in the past, but it could easily be circumvented) on non Compaq system. Good luck...

--Andy

 

Stingy74, the hardware of a specific computer MUST be different in order to avoid paying IBM royalties for a license to use their patent(s)...those that do pay a royalty can list their machines as "100% IBM COMPATIBLE", and as a result all the off the shelf operating systems and application softare which are designed for an IBM COMPATIBLE PC will run on it with no glitches. Those that aren't compatible will have some problems like Windows won't even install on some PCs, other PCs will have errors and some things (like I/O ports) won't work.

In order to get around the required royalties computer manufacturers build a PC with a different architecture, plus purchase an OEM Operating System Development package from Microsoft and customize the operating system so that it will run on their hardware. I think at this point it will be clear to you that an OEM version of Windows XP may not run properly on another PC, unless it's a PC from the same manufacturer, and even then it may only work on that specific model.

With all that in mind I think you can see why I build my own computers with Intel and Creative Lab components, and get my operating systems directly from Microsoft. All three companies have been in the "IBM COMPATIBLE" market for at least 15 years, and of course Intel and Microsoft has been with it from the start. I came into "IBM COMPATIBLES" about the same time as Creative Labs...in 1988. My current computer (1.4Ghz P4) is almost twice as fast as a 2.1Ghz P4 Compaq, and costs less, cause Compaq uses ISUS motherboards with non-IBM-compatible chipsets and have to run a hacked version of Windows.

Anyway...hope this helps.

 

The code that goes with your particular copy of WindowsXP home is specifically registered to your computer. I think MS gives you 3 changes of the motherboard before you have to call them to get a new code. But I don't think it will let you install that same code on 2 different computers (once you install the OS, it wants you to dial up to MS to validate the code). If you don't validate in 30 days, the system will not let you in (except to enter a valid code) :)

I think if you DON'T plan on using it on your emachines, and install it on your other PC, all will be wwell. Just not simultaneously. Jeez, I think my aluminum head swap is less complicated! ;)
good luck,
-terry

 

I have the same thread happening in off topic as well. I never thought of the hardware thing. I think I could get my restore cd's to install but being that it's a completely different computer nothing from a hardware standpoint will likely work. Anyone have a corporate version of xp they want to give me :rolleyes:

 

CDs are CDs. They will install just fine on your other computer. Like I said, its the licensing thing you need to worry about. I think they put the eMachines text on the CDs to prevent people from selling them as official Microsoft CDs.
-terry


[Modified by terryrudy, 10:42 PM 5/6/2002]

 

I never did have to go through the unlock and registration process with the computer I am on right now because xp came pre installed. I have since done the complete system restore three times on this machine (no unlock mumbo jumbo) and I can't see why I can't do the exact install on another different unit. The only thing that worries me is that I have been told that unless the hardware on my xp wanna be machine is exact or atleast close that stuff may not work. And i'm not sure I want the headache of trying to configure things that I know nothing about.

Also, the three cd's I have contain a modified version of xp home. Modified to run on this particular machine, whatever that means.


[Modified by Stingy74, 12:52 AM 5/7/2002]

 

XP is hardware specific, and will not work on just anything. XP is a derivative of WinNT, although not as bad, it does take certain hardware to function. Also, the code is unique. There is a code you input during installation, and then you will need to activate it before your 30 days are up. Activation sends your code to Microsoft.

Being a computer systems technician, I deal with this on a daily basis. Trust me, you don't want you code number on multiple machines. You won't be able to afford the stiff fine, if Microsoft finds out about it. And with the activation sending the code to Microsoft, they will find out on XP. :yesnod: