OEM XP & Bootcamp

quad_red

Hey all,
GF got new macbook pro last month and it is a thing of beauty. I'm giving my old pc laptop to a friend in need so I want to install xp under bootcamp to cover any 'windows only' needs we might have (ahem. Homeworld 2 here I come).

Can I use an OEM copy of Windows XP Service Pack 2 (bought 100% legally) or do I need a Retail version?

I've seen lots of differing opinions online so I wanna ask you guys - what have you done?

Cheers,
Quad

JamesSweeney

Hi,

I installed WinXP SP1 OEM from my Dell PC onto my MacBook without a problem using BootCamp. Everything works fine from a hardware viewpoint.

However I have not uninstalled WinXP from my PC so I am still using the 30 days grace period from Windows before I activate XP on the Mac.

I guess all I can tell you is that from an installation point of view it works perfectly fine.

Cheers,
James

monkeyfudge

I'm pretty sure there is a mac version of Homeworld 2 by the way.

JamesSweeney

just to point out also that if you do use XP service pack 1 you will have to slipstream it to XP service pack 2 (http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sp2_slipstream.asp).

quad_red

Cheers for the replies.

James - I've got an old Dell craptop but you're not supposed to really transfer the XP licence onto anything else, are ya?

And that link is dead - I thought it was a definite no no to try and install with an SP1 disc?

Monkey - yeah, I saw that. But it'd cost me €45 whereas I got it for the pc for €5 in HMV two weeks ago. So I'd rather set up a wee windows platform where I could take a wack at Homeworld, Half Life 2 etc.

eurotrotter

but i thought an oem version can only be used once,
wat happens after the 30 days of grace
can an oem vesion be instaled on only one system at a time?
if u want to connect to the net, is it safe, or might u have mocrosoft knocking at your door?
macs rock! - only realised this recently

JamesSweeney

Hi,

When I went to activate my OEM copy of XP I rang the Microsoft automated help line and had my license transferred from my DELL machine to my Mac with no problem. Just answer the questions they ask and they give you a code to enter.

You need XP SP2 (not the media centre edition). To get service pack 2 onto a XP SP1 cd use this link http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sp2_slipstream.asp or just google "XP SP2 slipstream".

I removed my copy of XP from the DELL machine and now have XP SP2 working fully on the Mac. I can auto updates from Microsoft also.

The only thing is, I have only booted into Windows about twice so far

Urban Weigl

Komplett.ie are now selling Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic for €89. You can order it online from http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=330706

Vista is more secure than XP, and should run all your existing XP apps you might need. The only major thing missing from Home Basic is the Aero user interface, which if it is not your primary OS on the machine isn't really worth anything.