How To Get a New Laptop With XP?

Oblivion

Here's my requirement. I currently have a Dell workstation with Windows XP which does everything I need it to. I would like to get a laptop, really just as a backup mainly for internet access in case my workstation ever breaks down. I want to get a Dell laptop simply because I like their stuff and have always been pleased with the reliability of the brand, but my problem is that they don't seem to offering XP any more, and I really really REALLY don't want Vista thank you very much.

So here's my thinking. Take a Norton Ghost image of my workstation, buy a Dell laptop (with the awful Vista), format the HD on arrival and instal the Ghost image onto it.

The first potential problem I can see is that the video drivers will probably be all wrong for the laptops video card. Not sure how easy that would be to correct, particularly if the screen refuses to show anything.

Can anybody suggest what other issues I might encounter please? Am I about to attempt the impossible?

Dave.

totalsolutions

Don't do it. Dell do their own brew of Windows and furthermore you will have driver issues and more, just don't do it. A clean install is the right way.
Vista is the way forward really Oblivion, however if you ask them they may supply a WinXP machine for you. As you only want a laptop as a backup why not buy some backup media instead?

Jakg

Won't work - the license key can't be used twice.

I'd contact Dell, tbh - I know PC World Business let you order XP with the laptop and i'm sure that Dell can.

[Deleted User]

Apart from being illegal, not much!

Why don't you just buy a laptop with XP installed if you're that stuck in the mud over it?

savemoney

I thought you could still get Dell laptops with XP if you asked for it. You could until recently

You can in states cant find a UK link yet

http://www.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/winxp_inspndt?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&redirect=1

mymatebob

any minute now someone will say buy a MAC.

Why don't you want Vista?

Does it have known issues with your hardware/software?

windra

Making a ghost image would be a very bad idea.
You would need to install a fresh version of windows xp, and it wont validate if you use the same disk for your PC and your laptop and this is illigal unless it comes with a liscence for 2 workstations - check your liscence.

You would need to buy a new copy of windows xp, i think its around £40 now. Getting the drivers shouldn't be a problem, you will be able to download them online on your desktop and then transfer them to your laptop via usb key, or cd.

I just checked dell...
http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/notebooks?c=uk&cs=ukbsdt1&l=en&s=bsd&~ck=mn

It has a banner showing laptops with xp...its in the business section. You don't have to be a business to buy from them though.

savemoney

Vista is fine if you have the power/ram I am using it now Vista 64 with 4gb ram. You need really 2gb of ram which most laptops now ship anyhow

windra

P.S ... I have a Dell Vostro with XP...and apart from it being heavy it is a wonderful laptop

And I too hate vista, i am sticking with XP until i am physically forced to get Vista, and then i wont be paying for it
(I can get it free for being a computer science student )

danmanchester

I knew from just reading the title of this thread it would soon turn into a Vista versus XP row!

Oblivion, give Vista a fair chance and I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised. I have used Vista since June 2006 (public beta days) without any problems at all, there is nothing to fear but change itself.

It's time to move with the times....change has come....even Barack Obama uses Vista :money: !

Oblivion

totalsolutions wrote: »

Don't do it. Dell do their own brew of Windows and furthermore you will have driver issues and more, just don't do it. A clean install is the right way.
Vista is the way forward really Oblivion, however if you ask them they may supply a WinXP machine for you. As you only want a laptop as a backup why not buy some backup media instead?

OK thanks for that. A friend of mine recently bought a new Dell and asked if they could substitute XP for Vista, and Dell said no. It seems they've abandoned XP altogether, bowing to MS pressure :mad:

I've got plenty of backup in the form of 4 LaCie USB external hard drives. What I'm after is a spare machine that can get me straight back onto the internet if my workstation goes kaput. Looks like I'll have to buy a Vista laptop then and learn to live with it. Tanks for the help.

Dave.