My Dell computer's motherboard went bad. Instead of fixing it , I'd like to build a completely new system on my own. My concern is whether or not I could use the copy of Win XP, ( Dell's version that came with the computer), on my new system ? I've heard that you can't install it ( Dell's version ) on a machine that doesn't have a Dell motherboard . Is this true ? thanks in advance.

More likely you will not be able to use the Dell Windows restore, it is an OEM install that verifys that the motherboard has a Dell bios. Many computer mfg. use this kind of install. Gateway, Sony, Dell and HP/Compaq. The only way to reuse the installation cd is to purchase another Dell OEM motherboard. I had the same problem with gateway and I found a great number of sites that carry gateway replacement motherboards.

Or I haven't tried it yet:

But someone told me you can change the OEM info in the preinstallation to not look for a certain bios.

This might be of help:

http://vbdotnet.home.comcast.net/XP_SP2.htm

(How to make a full XP SP2 from a Dell Recovery CD)

jaclaz

if it is an OEM disk then u will not be able to install it on a different motherboard