Building New Computer Help - Win XP & DVD Drives

fleetingmind

Morning All,

Building my own computer and looking to get the bits in before I start. Need help with two issues.

Windows XP
My current computer was given to me by the in-laws and has Windows XP on it. In-Laws kept all the disc and chucked them out (I know I know). This license of XP is only use don this computer. Without a disc can I use this Xp on the new machine? The old machine will be binned so would only be on one computer. Can you find out installation info from current computer then download windows XP off the net or use another person's disc?

DVD Drives
Anyone got any recommendations. Play.com has plenty of LG, Pioneer, Sony drives for under £20.
Will be used for cd an dvd copying for backing up or taking away from the house.

Also am I best using the same drive twice?
I've read about IDE and SAT. Is this different form computer to computer or do you need one of each on the same computer.

Cheers.

isofa

fleetingmind wrote: »

Windows XP
My current computer was given to me by the in-laws and has Windows XP on it. In-Laws kept all the disc and chucked them out (I know I know). This license of XP is only use don this computer. Without a disc can I use this Xp on the new machine? The old machine will be binned so would only be on one computer. Can you find out installation info from current computer then download windows XP off the net or use another person's disc?

Not technically legally as it's an OEM version (99% are), tied to that computer for life.

Secondly you'll need a CD/DVD to install from, you cannot just harvest the operating system from the old PC to the new one.

fleetingmind wrote: »

DVD Drives
Anyone got any recommendations. Play.com has plenty of LG, Pioneer, Sony drives for under £20.
Will be used for cd an dvd copying for backing up or taking away from the house.

Also am I best using the same drive twice?
I've read about IDE and SAT. Is this different form computer to computer or do you need one of each on the same computer.

Cheers.

Any DVD will be fine, the LG and the others you mention are all well reviewed.

What do you mean using the same drive twice?

IDE (or PATA) are the interfaces in older PCs, SATA are the new style interfaces.

fleetingmind

isofa wrote: »

Not technically legally as it's an OEM version (99% are), tied to that computer for life.

Secondly you'll need a CD/DVD to install from, you cannot just harvest the operating system from the old PC to the new one.
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Any DVD will be fine, the LG and the others you mention are all well reviewed.

What do you mean using the same drive twice?

IDE (or PATA) are the interfaces in older PCs, SATA are the new style interfaces.

Cheers for your help.

So if my computer needed to be wiped and Win XP re-installed would Windows know it is going back onto the same computer?
Are the discs unique to each license or are standard discs that I could borrow off someone else? It wouldn't be illegal as it is only being used on one computer.

I want to put two drives in the computer. Would you recommend putting the same one in twice or using two different brands? (Or does it make no difference)

isofa

fleetingmind wrote: »

Cheers for your help.

So if my computer needed to be wiped and Win XP re-installed would Windows know it is going back onto the same computer?
Are the discs unique to each license or are standard discs that I could borrow off someone else? It wouldn't be illegal as it is only being used on one computer.

I want to put two drives in the computer. Would you recommend putting the same one in twice or using two different brands? (Or does it make no difference)

No that would be fine, Windows XP needs to be reactivated when a major change is made to a computer, one change usually doesn't trigger it (new graphics, etc), but if you change a few components at once it'll ask for reactivation.

If you are trying to use the OEM licence from one PC that you are discarding onto a new home built PC, then technically it is a breach of licence. OEM version don't allow for this, only retail ones do. OEM copies (ones which usually come with pre-built computers) are tied to that computer for life, they can't be transferred.

Just for discussion, some discs will work others won't, it depends on the service pack and whether it matches the COA serial number on the computer.

It makes no difference at all regarding mixing brands of drives.

fleetingmind

Thanks isofa. Really appreciated.

One last question. Where can i find out if it is OEM or a full version?

DCFC79

fleetingmind wrote: »

Thanks isofa. Really appreciated.

One last question. Where can i find out if it is OEM or a full version?

if you run belarc advisor it will tell you if its OEM at the bottom of the screen

isofa

It's an OEM version if it came with the computer without a retail CD / box / manuals (just a restore or install CD and a licence), also many (if not all) of the product codes of OEM version have OEM as part of the key code (it'll be on the sticker of the old computer). Otherwise plenty of tools (TweakXP and many others will show the version type).

If you are building a new PC from scratch you can buy a new OEM version of Windows to install on it, OEM versions are technically for system builders, there is nothing stopping you from building a PC from scratch and buying and installing a new OEM version of Windows on it. You won't get any tech support from Microsoft, nor any additional documentation, but you'll save money. Many on-line stores sell OEM versions, including Dabs.com

Hope that helps.

superscaper

isofa wrote: »

If you are trying to use the OEM licence from one PC that you are discarding onto a new home built PC, then technically it is a breach of licence. OEM version don't allow for this, only retail ones do. OEM copies (ones which usually come with pre-built computers) are tied to that computer for life, they can't be transferred.

It's interesting when upgrading though as to what constitutes a "different/new computer". I don't think my current pc has any of the original hardware (including motherboard, hard drive etc) that I originally installed my XP OEM on. Microsoft have always allowed me to reactivate when I've phoned them and told them exactly what I've done (replaced motherboard etc). Obviously no guarantees, but MS seem to be rather flexible in most cases.

isofa

^ Yes I agree, as long as you aren't deliberately trying to rip MS off, and you've gradually upgraded, I don't think they'd ever have issue with it.

superscaper

isofa wrote: »

^ Yes I agree, as long as you aren't deliberately trying to rip MS off, and you've gradually upgraded, I don't think they'd ever have issue with it.

I don't think it'd be applicable in this case obviously because it is a completely new build. Just a general observation really. Can't remember if the licensing does actually define what a new computer is (specific component) or not.