BleepingComputer.com: Windows xp install on a dell

I have a dell dimension b110, i currently have a copy of xp pro on it, but i want to install the original xp home. the problem is there is a new hard drive in the machine, so there is no "ghost" partition. I do not have the original reinstalation disc from del either. I called dell and they want 42 dollars for a new one. SO i downloaded one off a torrent site.

I burnt it to a cdr, when i put it in the disc drive and restart the computer, windows starts normaly, no install screen. if i go to my computer and click on it, the first install screen comes up, if i click instll now, it says that i have a newer version installed on the machine, i clicked on help and it tells me to restrt the machine and boot from the cd, BUT I CANT!

please, i cant send dell 42 dollars! and i dont want to run xp pro! i want xp home

i did some reasearch and some people say that dells wont boot from cdr's.

Flex2slick, on Jul 14 2010, 08:00 PM, said:

Flex2slick,

I am sorry but Beeping computer doesnt support the act of pirating downlaod torrents and there fore we cannot help you with this problem.

No subject matter will be allowed whose purpose is to defeat existing copyright or security measures. If a user persists and/or the activity is obviously illegal the staff reserves the right to remove such content and/or ban the user. This would also mean encouraging the use or continued use of pirated software is not permitted, and subject to the same consequences.

I would suggest that you send in your 42 dollars to replace that disc. Windows XP Pro is the same OS as XP Home only with more features

I am sorry about this

coxchris

Does your computer have the Microsoft sticker on the case with the Microsoft product key code?

I am not trying to pirate anything, i dont think i should have to pay for a replacement os disc when i can download drivers or anything else off the dell web site, Yes i do have a product key.

Most Dell computer require you to press F11 at boot to enter the Boot Menu where you can select to boot from a CD.

Just as a warning, most Windows CDs that you download from a torrent site will be riddled with viruses.

Flex2slick,

I am sorry i should have finish reading before i posted I am sorry for that. One thing that hit me was Torrent site but I should kept reaiding I dislike torrents but Wow patches run on Torrents so I download them manuelly only the sites that doessnt let user upload virus. Please be careful.

Flex2slick, on Jul 15 2010, 08:23 PM, said:

I don't think you should have to pay for a replacement disc either but like Budapest said;

Quote

It is a true statement and if you want to load Windows XP Pro, the full version price or upgrade is more than the replacement CD from Dell that will probably have the apps that came with your pc. In either case you will always pay, either in money or in time and frustration because of a bad download. Dell has limited their computers to some extent but what Budapest recommends is sound advise because I did that with my old Dell pc and was able to boot from a CD which has a fresh downloaded copy of Unbuntu Linux but that's neither here nor there. If you can't get the CDr to boot properly try to reburn a new copy into another CDR. In some cases when you burn a CDR there is always a chance of a minor error occurring during the burning process that will sometimes corrupt your CDR copy or a defective section of the CDR could also affect how your burn process will complete in which will always affect how your CDR boots or operates. In some cases you will get a warning before the CDR finishes the burn process. You should have the Burning app check your CDR for errors before and after the burn process. In any case, I wish you best of luck with the reboot but in the interest of eliminating a major headache, I would recommend obtaining that replacement OS from Dell or maybe a brand new OEM copy of Windows XP Pro for your computer.