Installing Windows Vista Home Premium with Bootcamp from Dell "Reinstallation DVDs"

[Vissequ]

Hello,

I searched, but couldn't find a similar topic.

I currently have Windows XP installed on my MacBook Pro and was able to successfully install it without any problems. I now need to install Windows Vista on my MacBook Pro in a hurry for my job.

My boss has a Dell laptop with Windows Vista Home Premium pre-installed. She has a DVD labeled "Reinstallation DVD Windows Vista Home
Premium" which reads "The software is already installed on
your computer. Only use this DVD to reinstall the operating system on a
Dell PC." My understanding is that, if successful, I would only be able to run Vista for 30 days without entering a unique serial number - that is fine. However, will I be able to install Windows Vista on my MacBook Pro from the Dell Reinstallation DVD?

Finally, I'm pretty sure that I can have partitions through Bootcamp with both Windows XP and Windows Vista. Am I correct?

Thank you for your help,
Connor

 

[chscag]

Even if it were legal to do so (which it is not) the Dell re-installation DVD is designed only for that particular Dell machine and can not be used to install Vista on another computer.

If you need a copy of Vista, a full OEM install version is available at NewEgg and Amazon for a reasonable price. Since it's job related and you need it in a hurry ask your employer to purchase a copy for you from a local reseller.

As for the Boot Camp partition question, you have only one partition created by Boot Camp and that was for installing XP. Since Vista space requirements are greater than XP and plus the fact that Vista will only install to a NTFS formatted partition, you might have to first remove the XP partition and create a new one for Vista.

Regards.

 

[ayeying]

Dell restore DVDs are original OEM windows. You can install it. Its not entirely legal but as long as you have a CD Key and only install that CD key on ONE system, its not entirely breaking the EULA

 

[chscag]

Not all Dell re-installation CDs or DVDs are full install OEM copies. Dell has recently gone to the typical restore type CD and DVD in order to save money.

At one time you could order a Dell system and receive a full install set of disks for the OS and all pre-installed software. Dell still supplies disks for pre-installed software. Also, it is against the MS EULA to move or re-use an OEM version of Windows on other than the original machine it was sold with.

Regards.