Windows 7 or XP? Can`t make my mind up

CarlC

New Member
Ok so here`s my story, i `ve lost my Xp installation disk,i`ve downloaded linux,but am scared to use it incase i somehow ruin xp.Then i wouldn`t have a computer at all.So i`m thinking of buying an xp disk.But it is more expensive than 7.And so i`m just wandering is 7 an hardware intensive OS? I mean will it eat my memory and be laggy all the time?
I have just of a gb of ram and the req, is for a gb.

On the Windows site it says:


  • 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processo
  • 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
  • 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
  • DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

I have a 2.93GHz CPU,so am not worried bout that it`s more the memory.Also is this like a game,or like vista, where they`d say you need the above to run it for lag free i`d need liek twice the amount?
I`m ussually quite good as this i just can`t waste my money.


Thanks for all ya help.:good:
 
I'd go for windows 7 myself. I think it would run pretty decent on that system. What do you normally use it for? If your gonna be playing games give XP some thought. you'll want as much free memory as possible to avoid the dreaded lack of memory stutter.
 
Wait a minute - you own the Windows XP licence, right? You just don't have the software on a disc?

My recommendation is to just download a Windows XP image via the internet and install using your Windows XP key - you own a licence so I don't think it's illegal. In any case, you'd be hard pressed to argue that it's unethical...

One warning though, is that keys are tied to certain versions of XP. I never figured out how this worked exactly - maybe someone else can shed some light on this subject: what are the different kinds of key? Different keys for different OEM installations? Different service pack versions? OEM vs retail?

I think I found that a Dell WinXP SP2 disc worked with my OEM WinXP key preinstalled on a PC bought from (now defunct) Time Computers Ltd in 2003 but that's probably useless information to you.
 
Im pretty sure its against forum rules to discuss downloaded versions of windows. I think they are cracked versions I would reccommend removimg that from you post. I would double check to make sure, but im on my phone which is kind of slow.

Bkribbs
 
Hi,
I have Windows 7 installed and running on my computer. I have created a partition with the built in disk management tool, and I was wondering if I could install XP on the newly created partition even though I installed Windows 7 first.

Thanks
 
Hi,
I have Windows 7 installed and running on my computer. I have created a partition with the built in disk management tool, and I was wondering if I could install XP on the newly created partition even though I installed Windows 7 first.

Thanks

You should start your own thread. This thread is for a different problem.



You can try to get another pressed disc via this route: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246/en-gb

If I were in your situation, I wouldn't be paying for another license. I advise XP, for older hardware, even though I use 7 on my laptop and desktop (both 4 GB RAM).
 
Ultimately, you will want to go through the route suggested by seanspotatobiz or through your computer's manufacturer (also mentioned in that kb link - OEM). If you have your license number handy and you know someone with a retail disk, however, you can use your key and re-install from their retail disk in a pinch. There is nothing illegal with that.

Do not download any Windows OS images from the internet.
 
Ultimately, you will want to go through the route suggested by seanspotatobiz or through your computer's manufacturer (also mentioned in that kb link - OEM). If you have your license number handy and you know someone with a retail disk, however, you can use your key and re-install from their retail disk in a pinch. There is nothing illegal with that.

Do not download any Windows OS images from the internet.

If it's not illegal to borrow a retail disc from a friend, how could it be illegal to download one from the Internet? He has a license to do exactly that; to use Windows XP (in whatever version he has), on one PC.
 
Wait a minute - you own the Windows XP licence, right? You just don't have the software on a disc?

My recommendation is to just download a Windows XP image via the internet and install using your Windows XP key - you own a licence so I don't think it's illegal. In any case, you'd be hard pressed to argue that it's unethical...

One warning though, is that keys are tied to certain versions of XP. I never figured out how this worked exactly - maybe someone else can shed some light on this subject: what are the different kinds of key? Different keys for different OEM installations? Different service pack versions? OEM vs retail?

I think I found that a Dell WinXP SP2 disc worked with my OEM WinXP key preinstalled on a PC bought from (now defunct) Time Computers Ltd in 2003 but that's probably useless information to you.

Covered this in another thread and actually talked to someone at microsoft about this and it is still a violation of their EULA regardless of the fact he has a key.
 
Windows 7 gets my vote,Its hastle free!

Even though Xp is a great OS...its not as good as 7.
 
Only xp for gaming but for enjoying if u have good system use 7.

If you have an older system with a DX9 graphics card then yes...but if you have a newish system with a DX10/11 then 7 is the way to go.
 
Covered this in another thread and actually talked to someone at microsoft about this and it is still a violation of their EULA regardless of the fact he has a key.

Ahh...well if that's the case, then I stand corrected. Shame on me. :o ...darn EULA technicalities.

If it's not illegal to borrow a retail disc from a friend, how could it be illegal to download one from the Internet? He has a license to do exactly that; to use Windows XP (in whatever version he has), on one PC.

I wasn't disputing the legality of your initial claim, just the safety. And, as it seems, both are no-nos. Unless you are going to download the OS image from a legitimate source, such as Microsoft if you are a Tech-net subscriber, you will always be taking a gamble with your computer's security. Heh heh - even downloading from Microsoft (Win7 Beta) could be considered a gamble. :P
 
If you have an older system with a DX9 graphics card then yes...but if you have a newish system with a DX10/11 then 7 is the way to go.

Agreed. There is no need to keep XP around, unless you have older games that don't like Vista/7. Even then, some will run just fine in XP Mode.
 
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