WinXP install to machine other than eMach

[lagerter]

I have 2 eMachines running XP and different computer running win 98. Can I install XP from the eMach restore disk to the non-eMach.? The retore disk says it can only be used with an eMach. I haven't tried because I didn't want to format and try if it wouldn't work.
The reason I want to do this is because the local cable internet provider said in order to "self-install" all computers had to be running XP. Sounded fishy to me because then I wouldn't save installation fees if they have to come out and do the install.
Thanks for any help!

[teengeek88]

i dont think this will work because with windows xp you have to register your CD key, and if it shows up as being on the other computer too, then they wont let you do it on this one

[nodnerb2]

Hi,

I don't think it would work either.

Even if it wasn't XP you were trying to install each Manufacturer gets a little variation in the MS Program so if for example you had a Win 98 setup you would probably not be able to run an e machines restore disk in a Dell or Compaq machine.

What is it you are trying to install?

Cheers


Nodnerb2

[lagerter]

I was just trying to install winXP off of the restore disk - nothing else. I know none of the drivers or anything else would work. I just want XP on another computer. I didn't want to have to go buy it if I could somehow get it off of the restore disks.

We're trying to get cable internet and they said all computers have to be running XP for the customer to do a "self-install". If it wasn't for that I wouldn't need XP on that machine. I guess I'll just have to go get a copy if there's no way other way to install it from what I have.
Thanks for your help!

[nodnerb2]

Hi,

Before you give up and run to the store to shell out ya money for another copy of XP why don't you explain exactly what you are installing/ subscribing to.

There a a load of people using this board that have a wealth of experience in working around some of the rather odd things some ISP's ask their customers to comply with.

Unless ya cable co uses a custom authentication method like AOL does there is very probably someone here who will be able to assist you to get it up and running.

Cheers

Nodnerb2

[lagerter]

I haven't subscribed to anything yet. After several phone calls to the company to find out exactly what is involved with self-installation, the only thing I could get out of them was that all computers had to have win xp. (I think some village is missing some vey important personell, if you know what I mean ).

I didn't want to subscribe and find out that I really DID have to have winXP. Then I would have to pay for a service call on top of the installation fees anyhow. It seemed easier to find a way to get winxp installed and then worry about signing up for cable internet.

Nodnerb2, maybe I'll just go ahead and try it and see what happens. I've been reading the forums for quite sometime and you are right - there are VERY knowledgeable people out there that are willing to take the time with us the rest of us. So, thanks to everybody for helping!

[PresterJohn]

>the local cable internet provider said in order to "self-install" all computers had to be running XP

a lot of ISP's 'tell' their customer this to try to cut down on technical support issues. you don't need to have XP for self-installation cable broadband to work.

>Can I install XP from the eMach restore disk to the non-eMach.

the restore CD is probably locked to some sort of eMachine 'branding'...probably the bios. however, with some creative thinking and a little bit of prep work you might be actually able to install XP to the non-emachine PC.

basically it involves moving the HD from the other PC to the emachines and running the restore CD from there and then moving it back.

there is one potential problem. if you allow the CD restore to run to completion...you might be prompted to re-activate the XP install when you move it back to the other machine because the motherboard is different enough to trigger reactivation. the only workaround if this happens would be to do the restore again and then, interrupt the self-restore at the point where the XP installation files are copied to the drive & XP boot loader is just about to run the auto-install. at this point, you would then move the drive back to the original machine and let the install run.

[elroy]

I would tell the ISP I have two WinXP pc's [that's all] but will be buying another one in a couple weeks. Let them hook the 2 up and you can do the rest. Likely the equipment used for 2 machines will also run 3. Usually a broadband hook up is very simple. Most you would need is maybe a switch and a cable.

I have DSL and my ISP is replacing all the old DSL modems with a combo DSL modem, 4 port 10/100 switch and a 54g wireless router. I could hook up all the computers I wanted to it.