If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
WGA: replace motherboard but keep my copy of XP?
Hi,
I find that, due to a lightning strike, my Dell Dimension 4500 motherboard and/or my CPU is bad. I bought the system nearly four years ago, and the warranty is expired. I have the original XP install disk that came with the system, and all the original drives, memory stick, video card, case, PSU, etc., all of which seem to work. If I buy a replacement motherboard and/or CPU from Dell or elsewhere, can I legally use the original copy of Windows XP? Is it going to be a nightmare getting past the WGA check so I can get updates? Thanks for your help. |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
WGA: replace motherboard but keep my copy of XP?
Matt wrote:
Hi, I find that, due to a lightning strike, my Dell Dimension 4500 motherboard and/or my CPU is bad. I bought the system nearly four years ago, and the warranty is expired. I have the original XP install disk that came with the system, and all the original drives, memory stick, video card, case, PSU, etc., all of which seem to work. If I buy a replacement motherboard and/or CPU from Dell or elsewhere, can I legally use the original copy of Windows XP? Is it going to be a nightmare getting past the WGA check so I can get updates? Thanks for your help. Unless the replacement motherboard is the same model as the original you would probably have Windows Product Activation issues. You might also have issues with the old Windows installation not being able to work properly without a repair installation or a clean installation. I would be surprised if installation media from a name brand like Dell would cooperate with attempts to repair or reinstall in a system that contains any motherboard other than a relatively narrow group of models from that manufacturer. Be VERY careful about Motherboard-PSU compatibility issues. SOME name brands use non standard power connector pin outs, despite having the same connector as the generic ATX connector. |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
WGA: replace motherboard but keep my copy of XP?
"RobertVA" wrote in message ... Matt wrote: Hi, I find that, due to a lightning strike, my Dell Dimension 4500 motherboard and/or my CPU is bad. I bought the system nearly four years ago, and the warranty is expired. I have the original XP install disk that came with the system, and all the original drives, memory stick, video card, case, PSU, etc., all of which seem to work. If I buy a replacement motherboard and/or CPU from Dell or elsewhere, can I legally use the original copy of Windows XP? Is it going to be a nightmare getting past the WGA check so I can get updates? Thanks for your help. Unless the replacement motherboard is the same model as the original you would probably have Windows Product Activation issues. You might also have issues with the old Windows installation not being able to work properly without a repair installation or a clean installation. I would be surprised if installation media from a name brand like Dell would cooperate with attempts to repair or reinstall in a system that contains any motherboard other than a relatively narrow group of models from that manufacturer. Be VERY careful about Motherboard-PSU compatibility issues. SOME name brands use non standard power connector pin outs, despite having the same connector as the generic ATX connector. If you use the Dell supplied CD, it won't even go through activation. It's BIOS locked and will work fine. Tom |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
WGA: replace motherboard but keep my copy of XP?
You absolutely have every right to use the CD (IMNSHO).
If you get the motherboard from Dell and boot from the CD, you should never see any prompt for a serial number or activation. Regards, Hank Arnold Matt wrote: Hi, I find that, due to a lightning strike, my Dell Dimension 4500 motherboard and/or my CPU is bad. I bought the system nearly four years ago, and the warranty is expired. I have the original XP install disk that came with the system, and all the original drives, memory stick, video card, case, PSU, etc., all of which seem to work. If I buy a replacement motherboard and/or CPU from Dell or elsewhere, can I legally use the original copy of Windows XP? Is it going to be a nightmare getting past the WGA check so I can get updates? Thanks for your help. |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
WGA: replace motherboard but keep my copy of XP?
Matt wrote: Hi, I find that, due to a lightning strike, my Dell Dimension 4500 motherboard and/or my CPU is bad. I bought the system nearly four years ago, and the warranty is expired. I have the original XP install disk that came with the system, and all the original drives, memory stick, video card, case, PSU, etc., all of which seem to work. If I buy a replacement motherboard and/or CPU from Dell or elsewhere, can I legally use the original copy of Windows XP? Is it going to be a nightmare getting past the WGA check so I can get updates? Thanks for your help. Hank Arnold wrote: You absolutely have every right to use the CD (IMNSHO). If you get the motherboard from Dell and boot from the CD, you should never see any prompt for a serial number or activation. Regards, Hank Arnold Yes, but if you get a motherboard from someone else you not only MAY need to get a new PSU (the Dimension's 250W is a bit small anyway) the existing OS installation would probably be useless AND the setup on the installation/recovery media will probably refuse to work. This is one consequence of name brand manufacturers trying to lock you into depending on them for repairs and upgrades. It also protects them from the expense of customers wanting support when they have trouble getting systems with third party upgrades to work. In other words: Unless you plan to make SURE your new Dell MB is compatible with your existing installation media you may as well order a new case, PSU and Windows license with that motherboard. With voltage spike damage you may want to be prepared in case things like memory, the CPU and drives need replacing too. |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
WGA: replace motherboard but keep my copy of XP?
FYI, the Dimension 4500 and other Dell Socket 478 P4 systems use exactly the
same ATX-12v power connector as found in generic computers. However, many of the other connectors are proprietary... Ben Myers On Mon, 21 Aug 2006 01:30:45 -0400, RobertVA wrote: Matt wrote: Hi, I find that, due to a lightning strike, my Dell Dimension 4500 motherboard and/or my CPU is bad. I bought the system nearly four years ago, and the warranty is expired. I have the original XP install disk that came with the system, and all the original drives, memory stick, video card, case, PSU, etc., all of which seem to work. If I buy a replacement motherboard and/or CPU from Dell or elsewhere, can I legally use the original copy of Windows XP? Is it going to be a nightmare getting past the WGA check so I can get updates? Thanks for your help. Unless the replacement motherboard is the same model as the original you would probably have Windows Product Activation issues. You might also have issues with the old Windows installation not being able to work properly without a repair installation or a clean installation. I would be surprised if installation media from a name brand like Dell would cooperate with attempts to repair or reinstall in a system that contains any motherboard other than a relatively narrow group of models from that manufacturer. Be VERY careful about Motherboard-PSU compatibility issues. SOME name brands use non standard power connector pin outs, despite having the same connector as the generic ATX connector. |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
WGA: replace motherboard but keep my copy of XP?
The only motherboard model guaranteed to install trouble free is another
Dimension 4500 motherboard. I ***THINK*** but I'm not perfectly certain that the Dimension 4550 motherboard is close enough in its chipsets that it will not cause Micro$oft WGA to belch, fart and throw up all over your system. The Dimension 4600 motherboard has an Intel 865 chipset, which is different than the Intel 845 family chipset in the 4500. To use a 4600 board would require some chipset driver software installation and may have WGA issues, too. All use the same chassis with the same connectors for front panel, audio, and cooling fan. In addition to WGA issues, a non-Dell motherboard would be extremely difficult to integrate into a Dell chassis because it has several proprietary connectors to which proprietary Dell cables attach... Ben Myers On Mon, 21 Aug 2006 04:35:07 GMT, Matt wrote: Hi, I find that, due to a lightning strike, my Dell Dimension 4500 motherboard and/or my CPU is bad. I bought the system nearly four years ago, and the warranty is expired. I have the original XP install disk that came with the system, and all the original drives, memory stick, video card, case, PSU, etc., all of which seem to work. If I buy a replacement motherboard and/or CPU from Dell or elsewhere, can I legally use the original copy of Windows XP? Is it going to be a nightmare getting past the WGA check so I can get updates? Thanks for your help. |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
WGA: replace motherboard but keep my copy of XP?
See my earlier post about motherboard models. A Dell branded motherboard is
the only practical option for a replacement. Period. The Dell 250w power supply has proven to be perfectly adequate for a Dell 4000-series system, even if it is tricked out with more memory and more devices. Still, if a power supply replacement is in order (generally a good idea when lightning strikes), careful selection of a good brand (Antec for example) of generic power supply will work. The Dell P4 series 4000, 8000, 2000, tower Optiplex, and tower Precision all use power supplies with a standard form factor easily obtainable. You are 100% correct that a thorough check of all the other hardware is in order after a catastrophic failure. The value of the OP's data accumulated over four years is yet another consideration... Ben Myers On Mon, 21 Aug 2006 05:41:26 -0400, RobertVA wrote: SNIP Yes, but if you get a motherboard from someone else you not only MAY need to get a new PSU (the Dimension's 250W is a bit small anyway) the existing OS installation would probably be useless AND the setup on the installation/recovery media will probably refuse to work. This is one consequence of name brand manufacturers trying to lock you into depending on them for repairs and upgrades. It also protects them from the expense of customers wanting support when they have trouble getting systems with third party upgrades to work. In other words: Unless you plan to make SURE your new Dell MB is compatible with your existing installation media you may as well order a new case, PSU and Windows license with that motherboard. With voltage spike damage you may want to be prepared in case things like memory, the CPU and drives need replacing too. |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
WGA: replace motherboard but keep my copy of XP?
Thanks for your informative post, Ben.
The 4500 was offered with either 400Mhz or 533Mhz (front-side?) bus. Is that just a property of the CPU? Is there just one 4500 motherboard that works with both of those CPU frequencies? Also, if my CPU is bad, can I just drop in a new Celeron such as Intel Celeron D 315 Prescott 533MHz FSB Socket 478 Processor Model BX80546RE2267C - Retail $39.49, free shipping http://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/...82E16819112196 Dell wants over $160 for a new 4500 mobo taxed and shipped, but I am seeing refurbs recently on ebay for $65. Ben Myers wrote: The only motherboard model guaranteed to install trouble free is another Dimension 4500 motherboard. I ***THINK*** but I'm not perfectly certain that the Dimension 4550 motherboard is close enough in its chipsets that it will not cause Micro$oft WGA to belch, fart and throw up all over your system. The Dimension 4600 motherboard has an Intel 865 chipset, which is different than the Intel 845 family chipset in the 4500. To use a 4600 board would require some chipset driver software installation and may have WGA issues, too. All use the same chassis with the same connectors for front panel, audio, and cooling fan. In addition to WGA issues, a non-Dell motherboard would be extremely difficult to integrate into a Dell chassis because it has several proprietary connectors to which proprietary Dell cables attach... Ben Myers On Mon, 21 Aug 2006 04:35:07 GMT, Matt wrote: Hi, I find that, due to a lightning strike, my Dell Dimension 4500 motherboard and/or my CPU is bad. I bought the system nearly four years ago, and the warranty is expired. I have the original XP install disk that came with the system, and all the original drives, memory stick, video card, case, PSU, etc., all of which seem to work. If I buy a replacement motherboard and/or CPU from Dell or elsewhere, can I legally use the original copy of Windows XP? Is it going to be a nightmare getting past the WGA check so I can get updates? Thanks for your help. |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
WGA: replace motherboard but keep my copy of XP?
The 4500 board is supposed to be the same, but Dell may have used an early build
that supported only 400MHz FSB. If so, the Dell web site does not indicate this. Any Dimension 4500 board should be capable of handling either 400 or 533MHz FSB, depending on the choice of CPU. Unfortunately, I do not think that the 4500 BIOS will recognize the newer Celeron D or Pentium D CPUs. For this one, you need the older Pentium 4 or Celery processor identified by its processor clock speed, designed and manufactured before Intel's marketing and PR folks decided to obfuscate true processor speeds with their new naming conventions. A refurb from a reputable eBay source is as good as anything. The computer is worth barely more than $160 in pristine operating condition. Dell's price is one paid by desperate corporate procurement departments and other ignorant types... Ben Myers On Mon, 21 Aug 2006 21:37:23 GMT, Matt wrote: Thanks for your informative post, Ben. The 4500 was offered with either 400Mhz or 533Mhz (front-side?) bus. Is that just a property of the CPU? Is there just one 4500 motherboard that works with both of those CPU frequencies? Also, if my CPU is bad, can I just drop in a new Celeron such as Intel Celeron D 315 Prescott 533MHz FSB Socket 478 Processor Model BX80546RE2267C - Retail $39.49, free shipping http://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/...82E16819112196 Dell wants over $160 for a new 4500 mobo taxed and shipped, but I am seeing refurbs recently on ebay for $65. Ben Myers wrote: The only motherboard model guaranteed to install trouble free is another Dimension 4500 motherboard. I ***THINK*** but I'm not perfectly certain that the Dimension 4550 motherboard is close enough in its chipsets that it will not cause Micro$oft WGA to belch, fart and throw up all over your system. The Dimension 4600 motherboard has an Intel 865 chipset, which is different than the Intel 845 family chipset in the 4500. To use a 4600 board would require some chipset driver software installation and may have WGA issues, too. All use the same chassis with the same connectors for front panel, audio, and cooling fan. In addition to WGA issues, a non-Dell motherboard would be extremely difficult to integrate into a Dell chassis because it has several proprietary connectors to which proprietary Dell cables attach... Ben Myers On Mon, 21 Aug 2006 04:35:07 GMT, Matt wrote: Hi, I find that, due to a lightning strike, my Dell Dimension 4500 motherboard and/or my CPU is bad. I bought the system nearly four years ago, and the warranty is expired. I have the original XP install disk that came with the system, and all the original drives, memory stick, video card, case, PSU, etc., all of which seem to work. If I buy a replacement motherboard and/or CPU from Dell or elsewhere, can I legally use the original copy of Windows XP? Is it going to be a nightmare getting past the WGA check so I can get updates? Thanks for your help. |
|
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Replace Motherboard Advice | BJ | Asus Motherboards | 2 | May 12th 05 12:48 AM |
GARY HEADLEE Motherboard and Video Card Repair | neilslade | General | 8 | March 1st 05 02:59 AM |
Mustek 1200 III EP undetectable in any image program | Raymond A. Chamberlin | Scanners | 18 | January 10th 05 08:52 AM |
GIGABYTE to Launch Native 1066MHz FSB Motherboard – GA-8AENXP-D | Gigabyte USA Marketing | Gigabyte Motherboards | 0 | November 4th 04 07:36 PM |
Pls help me replace Dimension 4550 Motherboard (6U214) with better/cheaper non-Dell mobo | cdrcurious | Dell Computers | 7 | August 3rd 04 04:49 AM |