loading xp on a mac

  • Thread starter Thread starter mfnelson
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mfnelson

i'm trying to load the xp i got with my compaq onto my new mac, but keep
getting an error message. the disc says something like, "xp for compaq", so
does that mean it won't work on any machine other than a compaq?
 
mfnelson wrote:
> i'm trying to load the xp i got with my compaq onto my new mac, but
> keep getting an error message. the disc says something like, "xp
> for compaq", so does that mean it won't work on any machine other
> than a compaq?

That is an OEM licensed version of Windows XP. It came with the Compaq and
was likely modified by Compaq to install on a Compaq computer only. Being
an OEM version - it also cannot be transferred legitimately from the
original computer it came installed upon. In other words - if you want to
install Windows XP onto your other computer - you need either another
license and/or you need a retail license that is no longer installed on a
computer system. The OEM version that has already been installed is
worthless except on the computer which it was originally installed upon.

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
 
mfnelson wrote:
> i'm trying to load the xp i got with my compaq onto my new mac, but keep
> getting an error message. the disc says something like, "xp for compaq", so
> does that mean it won't work on any machine other than a compaq?

Shenan gave you the correct answer as to why your Compaq XP disk won't
work. I just wanted to add a few things.

For Boot Camp, you must have a *full* retail version of XP. This means
not an upgrade. A full generic OEM version may work but since Apple
instructions clearly state a full retail version is required, that's
what I'd go with. So go to the store and buy the correct version of XP
and then print out the Boot Camp instructions before you start the
installation.


Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User
 
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