Generally, I've found that the Dell "restore" CD installs just fine on a generic
or other brand of computer, but Micro$oft has tightened down its on-line product
activation to reject the software, even with an entirely legitimate and
never-used COA. A true pain in the ass, because really Windows XP is Windows XP
is Windows XP, with apologies to Gertrude Stein. Well, yes, there are XP Home
and XP Pro.

Also the Dell COA will not work with another brand or generic computer. This
one I comprehend, and find reasonable for Micro$oft to do. Dell bought a bunch
of COAs from Micro$oft to use only on Dell systems... Ben Myers

On Fri, 20 Jan 2006 17:35:22 -0500, "hdrdtd" wrote:

My guess would be....

The original OS that came with the system is 'System Locked' to the brand of
bios in the system.

In other words, if you bought a Dell and it came with a Dell OEM copy of
Windows, that CD would only work on a Dell.

On the other hand, since it's the OS Disc that is dependant on the bios and
not the other way around...

Yes you should be able to install any OS on that Dell you want. You will
just have to go through the normal activation process if needed by the OS.


"Jack Smythe" wrote in message
...
Hello if you have a computer that uses the System Locked Preinstallation
technique to activate Windows does it mean that the computer is locked to
that operating system or is it possible to install any operating system
that you have a license for? legally etc
Also out of interest which range of computers use this. I bought a
Dimension 4600 at the end of 2003 and that doesn't use it.
Thanks.