I finally built my new dream PC from scratch and went to install WIN2K from my trusty old Dell Win2K CD. Either from a WIN98 desktop or using Win2K boot disks, I continue to get an error message saying "Operating system can only be installed on a dell PC" What gives? I bought the software, have the license. How can I get around this? I blew my cash on hardware!
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Win2k OEM on new PC?
- Thread starter kgbtv
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hehe... read the EULA (Ed User Licence Agreement) and you'll see that you only own the right to install this on 1 computer (the Dell that it came with). **Not sure you actually own the disk itself** but you definatly do NOT own the software on the CD. I've seen this before. The dell CD's seem to have some way of recognising the manufacturier of the machine, so they refuse to install if it's not a DELL.
There is a reason that CD is called OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturier)... It is only for use with the machine it came packaged with. If you want to have a copy where you can **still not sure if it's legal** install on different machines, but never more than 1 machine at a time **legally** you need to get a retail version.
If you still have the dell machine that the CD came with, you can try popping the HDD into the DELL and installing windows2k there, open the device manager and delete EVERYTHING, shut down and swap the drive into your new machine. This has worked for me several times when.
There is a reason that CD is called OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturier)... It is only for use with the machine it came packaged with. If you want to have a copy where you can **still not sure if it's legal** install on different machines, but never more than 1 machine at a time **legally** you need to get a retail version.
If you still have the dell machine that the CD came with, you can try popping the HDD into the DELL and installing windows2k there, open the device manager and delete EVERYTHING, shut down and swap the drive into your new machine. This has worked for me several times when.
- Thread starter
- #4
I could resurrect the Dell to attempt this. I used the original cae and swapped motherboards. Do you assume it is reading the BIOS off the original motherboard to determine if it was a Dell PC? That is the only thing I can think of. What a hassle!
That's my theory, that it checks in the bios, but I didn't say anything because I don't know for sure.
Just set up the MB on top of the anti-static packaging that your new board came in... just sitting on your desk and connect the CD and HDD, pop in a vid card and hook up the PSU keyboard and mouse. If you only need it temporarly then running it without a case isn't a problem. I actually have a system that is mounted on particle board with a desk fan for cooling
Just set up the MB on top of the anti-static packaging that your new board came in... just sitting on your desk and connect the CD and HDD, pop in a vid card and hook up the PSU keyboard and mouse. If you only need it temporarly then running it without a case isn't a problem. I actually have a system that is mounted on particle board with a desk fan for cooling
IT DEFINITELY IS THE BIOS, you won't see or find it. Compaq does the same thing and their restore cd's for different versions won't install(and software for their units) unless it reads the key from the bios. GARWAIN has the best idea. install to a new hd inside the dell, delete the devices, shutdown and move drive to new unit and re-start.
Dell actually uses a program to trip-up the whole process It does read the BIOS info - and only will install on Phoenix BIOSes. Of course, there are always ways around the problem. I know im not going to say, but the truth is out there.....(x-files theme cues..)...somewhere. pbxman
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It does read the BIOS info - and only will install on Phoenix BIOSes. Of course, there are always ways around the problem. I know im not going to say, but the truth is out there.....(x-files theme cues..)...somewhere. pbxmanSystems Administrator
Please let Tek-Tips members know their posts were helpful.
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