Using Dell XP install disk w/VMWare Fusion

[weyus]

All,

Recently purchased a MBP Pro (still waiting!), and trying to get ready to install Windows on a partition using VMWare Fusion as soon as I get it.

My copy of XP came with my Dell Inspiron 8500 purchased back in May 2003 (thankfully, I just found the disk, phew!).

My question is, will I have any issues installing that particular version of XP given that it's a Dell-issued version as opposed to a M$-issued version? I assume that the only difference is that the Dell version may have different/better driver support for the Inspiron (obviously). My concern is that maybe this will interfere/have problems with my MBP hardware.

This may be a complete non-issue, I've just never done any virtualization work before, so I'm not sure, and I thought I would ask.

Thanks,
Wes

 

[steveza]

I don't think that the Dell install disk will install on anything other than a Dell. I may be mistaken but I've tired this before without success - it was a few years back though, The disk startup checks for the Dell BIOS and if it doesn't find it it will not install.

 

[fazox]

When I first bought my Macbook I was able to install Vista from my old Dell
through Boot Camp, and Parallels without any problems. I still had the Dell logos on my menus
but it worked fine.

 

[weyus]

Hmmm.

Also, my disk is so old it's XP SP1 (not SP2, which is officially what VMWare Fusion supports).

So, notwithstanding the Dell issue, do you think I'll be able to install SP1 and then update to SP2 without a problem?

I _really_ don't want to have to purchase a copy of XP again.

W

 

[CanadaRAM]

To be legal you don't have a choice. The Dell OS is a 'bundled' OS that is tied to that Dell machine and it is against the license agreement to install it on anything else -- even if the Dell is no longer functioning.