Recently inherited an Dell Presario with XP home from granddaughter. Was 
able to slipstream from the recovery disc and files on the HD an install 
disc, which after installing different newly formated HD's was able to 
successfully install XP, register it and use windows update.

Then decided to move the XP to another computer with an Intel 
motherboard. Install went smooth, but when I tried to register it, I hit 
a brick wall. Intel registry said I would have to do it through Dell, 
and of course if I went to Dell and say the motherboard was changed, 
they are going to sell me a new one or a new computer.Without 
registering I couldn't keep updated, so I abandoned, XP is still working 
on the Dell, and the Intel motherboard (which just failed 3 days ago, 
but will be replaced) is running WINME dual boot with Kubuntu.

Moral: Can't take an OEM version and move it to another machine. As a 
lower priority, I'm trying to migrate away from Microsoft, but has been 
a struggle to get Linux up and running well.

peter green wrote:
>> Note that buyers may legitimately copy an XPm Pro disk and 
>> time and install it.
>>   
>>     
> Yes you can use existing media to excercise the downgrade rights but 
> there are several advantages to having the OEM provide downgrade media 
> (as MS allowed big brand OEMs to do after some initial complaints) and 
> do the downgrade install.
>
> 1: If you use your own media and that media is whitebox or reail media 
> or media from the wrong big brand OEM afaict you will  have to telphone 
> activate, not an issue for those with access to legit VLK media/key but 
> potentially a majort PITA for some.
> 2: It saves you the hassle of actually doing the install
> 3: If the manufacturer is offering XP preinstalled then you will almost 
> certainly be able to easilly download XP drivers
> 4: dell at least will provide telephone support for both XP and vista 
> when you choose this option.
>   
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