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Downloading Windows on to Linux OS

  • 29-03-2013 5:33pm
    #1
    angeline
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 907 ✭✭✭


    Question on behalf of my sister. She had Windows on her laptop but somebody 'upgraded' it to Linux for her...now she bought an 02 dongle and it will not work on Linux so she needs to reinstall Windows. Does she just have to buy Windows and install it, will there be any problem with the Linux? Thanks.


Comments

  • #2
    mp22
    Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Regional South Moderators Posts: 6,854 Mod ✭✭✭✭mp22


    Is the windows key sticker still on the laptop?


  • #3
    angeline
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 907 ✭✭✭angeline


    No, there is no Windows sticker on it like there is on mine. So I don't know how it was originally installed.


  • #4
    looking_around
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,491 ✭✭✭looking_around


    does the computer have a partition? Does she want a newer OS or is she happy with XP? (I have spare loads of keys....though I don't think they're necessary anymore with MS mow not offering support for xp)


  • #5
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    Is it a Windows 8 machine? If so there'll be no sticker on the machine but the disc should still activate anyway.


  • #6
    demanufactured
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,756 ✭✭✭demanufactured


    The dongle should work in Linux.. you need to set up a mobile Internet connection on it.


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  • #7
    angeline
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 907 ✭✭✭angeline


    It's a Samsung. I'd say it is a few years old. Al she wants is to get internet back working, but the o2 dongle won't work and they told her it was because of the Linux OS. I'd say she doesn't care what Windows it is, she's just fed up with no internet.


  • #8
    angeline
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 907 ✭✭✭angeline


    Her ex bought the laptop for her some years ago and he is in to computer science and did various upgrades but she's been told in the o2 shop that Linux is not compatible with the dongle. She had bought it first and tried to install it but it wouldn't install....


  • #9
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    angeline wrote: »
    Her ex bought the laptop for her some years ago and he is in to computer science and did various upgrades but she's been told in the o2 shop that Linux is not compatible with the dongle. She had bought it first and tried to install it but it wouldn't install....

    I'd say there's a way of getting it to work in Linux, might be worth asking in the Unix forum. :)


  • #10
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 93,599 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    If you don't have a windows license then you can't use windows.
    at the worst buying a compatible dongle is less than a windows license.

    At this stage it's unlikely but possible that XP might not have drivers for the device anyway.


    If it's a brand name laptop then highly likely to have had windows, but no guarantee and still doesn't tell you which version.


    On most OS's it's best to have a working internet connection when you add new networking hardware so the system can pickup drivers itself.


    post on the unix forum, do an lsusb to get the exact name


  • #11
    GreenWolfe
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,731 ✭✭✭GreenWolfe


    If I'm understanding this right, the person who installed the distro on the laptop did so without the OP's sisters permission and didn't bother to check that the laptop could be recovered back to its original state? Personally, that person is a total muppet.

    OP, it's a long shot but it could be worth your while to contact the manufacturer and see if you can get recovery media sent out. If they can do so, they will charge you for it.


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  • #12
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 93,599 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    looking_around wrote: »
    does the computer have a partition? Does she want a newer OS or is she happy with XP? (I have spare loads of keys....though I don't think they're necessary anymore with MS mow not offering support for xp)
    Mod note

    READ THE CHARTER

    Unless you are offering non-OEM, transferable licenses including the COA and licence


    Irish copyright law is life +70 There is no such thing as Abandonware - if the legal owner hasn't given permission you can't use it.
    www.irishstatutebook.ie/2000/en/act/pub/0028/print.html
    (2) This Act shall apply to computer programs whether created before or after the first day of January, 1993.


  • #13
    Fysh
    Moderators, Arts Moderators, Regional Abroad Moderators Posts: 11,107 Mod ✭✭✭✭Fysh


    It's a long shot but check under the battery for the CoA - some vendors put the sticker there so it doesn't get damaged or worn as easily as on the outer case.


  • #14
    looking_around
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,491 ✭✭✭looking_around


    Capt'n Midnight wrote: »
    Mod note

    READ THE CHARTER

    Unless you are offering non-OEM, transferable licenses including the COA and licence
    ]

    They are transferable. I wouldn't offer them otherwise.

    But as another user pointed out, XP might be too old an OS


  • #15
    ryanch09
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 380 ✭✭ryanch09


    looking_around wrote: »
    They are transferable. I wouldn't offer them otherwise.

    But as another user pointed out, XP might be too old an OS

    XP is still a fine OS for internet browsing and most daily use. I downgraded to it from 7 as I just find it to be less bloaty and it works better with some older applications as well as new ones.


  • #16
    Torqay
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,835 ✭✭✭Torqay


    looking_around wrote: »
    They are transferable. I wouldn't offer them otherwise.

    You can only transfer full retail software licenses. OEM licenses cannot be transfered.

    Back on topic, most USB 3g Modems work just fine with modern Linux distros. Or tell your sister to upgrade to a mobile hotspot.


  • #17
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 93,599 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    OP has opened a thread in Unix :)

    It's an O2 dongle.

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=83902414


  • #18
    evolutionqy7
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,277 ✭✭✭evolutionqy7


    angeline wrote: »
    It's a Samsung. I'd say it is a few years old. Al she wants is to get internet back working, but the o2 dongle won't work and they told her it was because of the Linux OS. I'd say she doesn't care what Windows it is, she's just fed up with no internet.

    Why dont ya go into a store and purchase a WiFi modem. Stick your sim card into that and problem solved. No need to mess about with OS or any drivers. It will just work.

    People always go for the dongle cause its cheaper, it always causes more hassle.


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