Is it possible, or will Microsoft get pissed?

**BigHub** · 11-27-09, 11:55 AM

So... My mom is giving me her old laptop, which has Windows Vista on it. The thing is though, the laptop needs a reinstall of the OS and shit. The laptop will lock up and freeze every once in a while (she never defrag'd, cleaned it up, etc..) so it's really sluggish.

Also, the laptop came with Windows Vista already on it... no Disc's or anything.

Is there any way I could use my XP disc to reinstall the OS (I currently use the XP OS on my rig), or will Microsoft get pissed and not let me do it? Which im pretty sure will happen.

So do I need to buy a new OS for it, or can I use my XP disc on 2 different computers? which I highly doubt. I guess I could use it, I just wouldn't be able to authenticate it, correct?

I just REALLY do not want to buy another OS... and I REALLY do not want to put Vista on it, I want XP on it (which they stopped selling)

**mikeN** · 11-27-09, 12:00 PM

Legally it think you can only have it on one computer
but I also think Microsoft let's you use the key like 5 times before it causes problems.

**BigHub** · 11-27-09, 12:03 PM

Originally Posted by mikeN

Legally it think you can only have it on one computer
but I also think Microsoft let's you use the key like 5 times before it causes problems.

I think I've already hit that threshold. I had to call some dude in India when I was reinstalling Microsoft Office 2007. You just need to tell them you build your own computers and you have done a few reinstalls of the OS, they usually hook you up.

**ALPINESTAR** · 11-27-09, 12:12 PM

I might be able to get a copy of vista 32 bit from the pops...

**Keiron** · 11-27-09, 12:16 PM

You could install it and not authenticate it. However, if I remember correctly, even doing that now only makes it a temp install like a 30 day trial. Then it becomes like a limited install and it restricts what you can and cannot do. I believe it won't let you update for example.

I could be wrong though as I haven't actually done it, but I recall hearing some problems along those lines. I'd have to look into it more though to be sure.

**BigHub** · 11-27-09, 12:19 PM

I have a copy of Windows XP Pro or some shit that has unlimited installs and uses (It's for businesses), but I just need to find it.

**619summon** · 11-27-09, 01:50 PM

just buy w7

**BigHub** · 11-27-09, 01:52 PM

I hate Windows 7. I'm on my mom's new laptop and that's what she has, and I absolutely hate it.

XP is probably the BEST OS that Microsoft has come out with, IMO. It isn't full of shit that you do not need and it doesn't hog resources. That's why I want to stay with XP.

**Potemkine** · 11-27-09, 02:00 PM

Originally Posted by BigHub

I hate Windows 7. I'm on my mom's new laptop and that's what she has, and I absolutely hate it.

XP is probably the BEST OS that Microsoft has come out with, IMO. It isn't full of shit that you do not need and it doesn't hog resources. That's why I want to stay with XP.

What is it that you dont like about win7? It uses FAR less resources than vista, and probably more comparable to XP in terms of hardware usage. Plus, as a student you get to get win 7 for like <40 bucks. 32 or 64 bit. Thats practically stealing.

As for formatting vista and then loading your business version of xp....I cant imagine an issue. Then again, I am relatively new to all of it.

**BigHub** · 11-27-09, 02:04 PM

I dunno what it is... I just don't like it. Lame excuse, I know.. But I just don't know what it is about Win7 that I don't like. I just don't like it.

My Philosophy.. If its not broke, don't fix it. XP was not broke... So why Vista...why Win7.

I've NEVER had ANY problems with XP, so I want to stick with XP.