<p>Hi,
My S would like know how difficult it is to set up bootcamp to run Windows on his MacBook. We have a sealed copy of Windows from a Dell that we own. He thinks that he may need Windows for one of his classes next semester.</p>
<p>No, just run the boot camp assistant on Mac. It's as easy as installing a program on Windows.</p>
<p>I know this is a stupid question but I'm going to ask it anyway. The disc copy of Windows Vista Business that we have came with a recent Dell xps laptop purchase. Is it OK to use this (it's never been opened--still has the original seal)? Is this considered a third party version (I don't even know what that it) because I thought that I read somewhere that you can't use a third party version of Windows.</p>
<p>its not third party its just registered to that particular computer (at least I'm fairly sure) so it wouldn't work on another computer.</p>
<p>Can't I use the disc on another computer? Even though it came preloaded on the Dell computer, I have the disc (Windows Vista Business). I bought the program as an upgrade. I own it so can't I use it as I wish and install it on an additional computer owned by me?</p>
<p>If its already installed on the dell then no. Thats why OS's are cheaper when you buy a computer, because they can only be used on that one computer.</p>
<p>While it violates the use of the OEM version of Windows that you have, for practical purposes its suffice to say that you can use the copy of Windows you have. The Mac will read the Windows CD as a regular original copy regardless if its a retail or OEM version. So yes, you can use the CD you have with BootCamp. The instructions are pretty straight forward when you use the BootCamp assistant. Good luck.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone. If he ends up needing to use Windows for this particular Spring 2009 class, we'll go ahead and give bootcamp a try. I'm tempted to just set up an appointment at the Apple Store (although it's an hour and 15 minute drive from our house) sometime during the Dec. winter break and have them do it for him.</p>
<p>We'll use the copy of Windows Vista Business that came with a Dell computer that we bought in May 2008. (the one that had the original motherboard cooked by the defective nVidia). I'll double check with the Apple people when/if we set up the appointment.</p>
<p>Again, thank you.</p>
<p>You really, really don't need someone to do it for you.</p>
<p>If you can install an application, you can install Windows.</p>
<p>
[quote]
We'll use the copy of Windows Vista Business that came with a Dell computer that we bought in May 2008.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>You can't do that. The copies of Vistaster that come bundled with a computer are tied to that computer's hardware. You have to buy a separate copy.</p>
<p>srunni, no you don't. I have setup Vista and XP, both retail and OEM versions on Macs before. Any version of Windows supported by Bootcamp will get read regardless if it is OEM or Retail. Microsoft and Apple may tell you a different story though. But from experience I know this is possible.</p>
<p>nysmile, are you sure that the apple store will set it up for you? I had asked my local apple store about having them set up bootcamp for me, but they said that they are not allowed to do that.</p>
<p>No, I don't know if the Apple Store (genius bar or whatever it's called) will do it but don't you think if Bootcamp is something that comes installed on the Mac, that the Apple people should be responsible for helping you with it if you make the appointment?</p>
<p>Can anyone else out there confirm whether I can use the disc of Windows Vista Business that came with my Dell?</p>
<p>"Additional Information
Important: Apple does not provide technical phone support for installing, using, or recovering Microsoft Windows. Support is available for using Boot Camp Setup Assistant, as well as installing or restoring Boot Camp software while booted into Windows. Support articles and discussions may also be available on Apple's support website."</p>
<p>This is copied/posted from the Apple site. I guess they won't help. </p>
<p>I suppose we could try to do it ourselves. It doesn't seem too difficult. The Apple site does say that you need an 'AUTHENTIC" copy of windows. Would the copy that I discussed in my previous post qualify as "Authentic"? Has anyone personally used a copy of Windows that they received with the purchase of a Dell or similar pc?</p>
<p>
[quote]
srunni, no you don't. I have setup Vista and XP, both retail and OEM versions on Macs before. Any version of Windows supported by Bootcamp will get read regardless if it is OEM or Retail. Microsoft and Apple may tell you a different story though. But from experience I know this is possible.
[/quote]
That's because the OEM copy of Vista you bought was not previously installed on any computer. You can directly purchase OEM copies (from Newegg, for example), but they are only installable on one hardware configuration. If you even change the motherboard on a computer running an OEM copy of Vistaster, you will have to buy a new copy. For this reason, an OEM copy of Vistaster that comes with a computer can only be used with that computer. Here is proof of that: Buying</a> OEM versions of Windows Vista: the facts. Some of the other downsides of the OEM versions (as the article says) are that you don't get a pretty box, a manual, can't return it, only include either 32-bit or 64-bit, and have no free support for 90 days. The cheapest OEM version of Vistaster is $99.</p>
<p>You should also keep in mind that XP doesn't follow this policy, so your experiences with XP do not reflect the new policies regarding OEM copies that Microsoft has for Vista.</p>
<p>srunni, the copy of windows that I have (from dell) has never been opened and is still sealed. Do you think that it will be able to be installed on another machine if it's sealed and never been used? Vista Business came pre-installed but they included a full sealed disc of Vista Business with our xps laptop (this is the laptop that had to have the motherboard replaced by Dell because of the defective nvidia).</p>
<p>I doubt that you will be able to use it, as the disc is tied to the laptop, but you might as well give it a shot.</p>
<p>Thanks srunni. I'm not sure what we'll do. We have options. I do have a gift card to an Big electronics store and I could use that towards a new copy of Windows Vista. Or S could bring the Dell laptop with him to use for the class. Or, S could just try borrowing his roommate's laptop for assignments for this one class or he can use one of the computers available at the school. We won't have to decide until next semester so we'll figure something out during the winter break. </p>
<p>If anyone else can confirm as BP the Guy that they've had experience using a VISTA Operating disc from the purchase of a previous computer, feel free to let me know. As I said, it came pre-install yet they included the Vista Business installation (OEM) disc that is still sealed in shrinkwrap.</p>
<p>srunni is right on the Vista OEM issue. I tested it out myself tonight. The installation works fine regardless of the version. The issue comes with the activation of Windows as srunni said.</p>
<p>Here's what you can do. I tried this in the office I work at a few months back. The computer is still running Vista today. I had a Dell machine that came with XP originally. A guy at work was testing Vista out on the newer Dell models coming into the department. The Dell Vista CD that came with the new machines worked fine with the new Dells of course. When I attempted to install it on the machine that came with XP originally there were problems with activation. In order to get rid of that issue, the product key (a label on all computers with Windows) was used from the new Dell machines on the old Dell machines. The activation worked fine and went through. The reason it didn't work originally was because as srunni said, the OEM version was tied to the hardware it was designed for. The reason it worked once the new product key was used is because the product key was valid. Therefore my suggestion would be to setup Vista on Bootcamp using that DVD. And when you load Vista, and it tells you to activate, do so by entering the product key from your Dell laptop.</p>
<p>By the way instructions on setting up Vista are simple in BootCamp.</p>
<ol>
<li>Create partition using Boot Camp utility in Mac OS X. Look for it by just typing Boot Camp in the Finder (the search bar in all windows).</li>
<li>Reboot computer and load Windows Vista DVD. To make sure you enter the Vista DVD be sure to hold onto the OPTION key when starting up. Select the Vista DVD.</li>
<li>When Vista asks you what partition you want to install it on, select the one that says Boot Camp but do not click next. Then click where it says Advanced (or More Options). It should give you the option to FORMAT. Format that partition. Once that is done, you can click next to begin installation. Once installation is complete Windows will restart.</li>
<li>Activate Windows using the method described above.</li>
</ol>
<p>The entire process should take about 30 minutes to do.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>