old xp disc, new build...

[j0nnyd]

hi,

im recieveing my new build from overclockers today but havnt yet bought an OS. Im currently using a new 300gb hard drive on an old mesh system and ive used the mesh packaged windows installation cd to install XP. I have three questions in relation to my new system-

1. can i use the windows key from the mesh system if i was to get and install a fresh installation of xp (not from the mesh cd, e.g. from a friend)

2. if i just put the 300gb hard drive straight into the new system as the only hard drive will it cause a lot of problems - hardware etc.

3. can i use the mesh windows installation cd in the new system to install xp if i start with a re-format of the hard drive - or does it have pre-defined hardware profiles etc thus causing problems?

thanks for your help.

jonny.

ps. if the conclusion is i have to buy a new OS, should i get vista or xp for my new overclockers system?

 

[BillytheImpaler]

1. The key for the Mesh system will be an OEM key. This will not work with a retail copy, which is what you have.
2. It will throw up all over itself because it'll have all the drivers and kernel modules, etc., for the old system. New mobo generally means a new installation, let alone the rest of the rig.
3. Again, the Mesh install disk will be an OEM copy. You'll need a retail copy to comply with Microsoft's licensing.

If it were me I would definitely get XP if I wanted to play games on it as soon as I received it. Vista has potential, especially as it'll let you run Direct3D10 games, but driver support is seriously lacking. I'd wait until at least SP1 or until a game you desperately want to play forces your hand.

 

[Burnsy2023]

1. The key for the Mesh system will be an OEM key. This will not work with a retail copy, which is what you have.
2. It will throw up all over itself because it'll have all the drivers and kernel modules, etc., for the old system. New mobo generally means a new installation, let alone the rest of the rig.
3. Again, the Mesh install disk will be an OEM copy. You'll need a retail copy to comply with Microsoft's licensing.

You don't need a retail copy per se, an OEM license would be perfectly fine, but you do need another license.

I would agree with XP if you are going to do any serious gaming though.

Burnsy