I need to buy a new laptop. Specifically looking to buy an HP laptop.

Problem is I need english XP. Been round loads of places and they all say they can install english but none can provide a genuine copy of xp in english - need it to do updates.

Not interested in Apple, or Linux. Need XP in English.

Also, not interested in Dell.

Any suggestions?

Probably no alternative then, in Shanghai. But you can have it ordered by a Shanghai-based IT company that offers this service. They will import it from HK or the US in most cases.

last time i tried, u can install security updates even w/ a pirated XP disc. unless the serial code u entered is one that is flagged by microsoft as being a pirated number.

i am sure "HP" has a website where you can order it online?
when i bought my dell i did online so other friends bought online
you can try then you should have a genuine xp

Here is what I did with Vista recently, should work with XP as well.

Install one of the many pirated english copies here in Shanghai, and get a english system builder version shipped to your home country (or a friend somewhere out of China).

Let them email you the product code, register your copy with MS online - done! The original CD you can get at your next visit, don't ship it (custom problem), you don't need it anyway..

buy from HP online... if you need to get a genuine number, i'd definitely get it online so you have a genuine version of windows.

thing is...

there won't be any further upgrades to XP since microsoft isn't supporting it anymore.. (i may be wrong on this...) so you can have sp2 installed and not have to worry about needing a number so you can update.

also, btw... i installed a pirated copy of xp sp1 on both my laptop and my desktop and was still able to download and install sp2. there are direct links to the update on microsoft's site. didn't double check serial numbers, nothing to crack.

I found a real version of XP-English in the Xujiahui electronics mall (the glass ball, I never remember the name). It's been verified by Microsoft online. PM me and I can give you the number of someone in that mall and they can take you to the shop. I know this person well but not anyone in the s/w shop.

I've actually found a real version of XP as well, but the product key is visible through the package so I'm assuming it's already been registered online about 20 zillion times already.

I'm too tight to buy a separate version of XP when I know you get it for "free" when you buy a computer anyway.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Crivens, check your PM. Did you get the XP working for you already? Not so sure.

You can buy a laptop with Vista, and downgrade to XP.

Thats allowed in their terms of service. You call Microsoft during the install, and give them your Vista serial, and they'll give you a valid XP s/n and Activation code.

Been there, done that... (for clients). I run a real OS.

computersolutions wrote:You can buy a laptop with Vista, and downgrade to XP.

Thats allowed in their terms of service. You call Microsoft during the install, and give them your Vista serial, and they'll give you a valid XP s/n and Activation code.

Been there, done that... (for clients). I run a real OS.

What, if I buy an HP laptop with genuine Chinese Vista, I can phone them while installing XP and they'll give me a s/n etc for English XP? They'll swap Chinese OS for English?

Do you have a number I can phone to ask?

If you buy English, they'll let you install English.
Chinese for Chinese.

Not Chinese -> English, as the pricing is different.


http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/deta ... layLang=en

(Only for Vista Business and Ultimate)


“Q. Can I downgrade my OEM version of Microsoft Windows Vista Business to Windows XP Professional?

A. Yes. OEM Downgrade Rights for desktop operating systems apply to Windows Vista Business & Vista Ultimate as stated in the License Terms. Please note, OEM downgrade versions of Windows Vista Business and Vista Ultimate are limited to Microsoft Windows XP Professional (including Tablet PC Edition & x64 Edition). End users can use the following media for their downgrade: Volume Licensing media (provided the end user has a Volume Licensing agreement), Retail (FPP), or System Builder hologram CD (provided the software is acquired in accordance with the Microsoft OEM System Builder License). Use of the downgraded operating system is governed by the Windows Vista Business License Terms, and the end user cannot use both the downgrade operating system and Windows Vista Business. There are no downgrade rights granted for Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic or Home Premium.


Be prepared for hassle when you try it, but it is possible.



https://partner.microsoft.com/Malaysia/40042969



Here's the procedure incase the page is changed:



1.
Install the Machine with XP PRO Media and get any valid XP Product Key.
2.
After finishing the installation, there will be 2 options for you to pick for the Windows Activation. Activate online or activate through Phone Call. Pick activate through Phone Call.
3.
The system will show a series of Installation ID for activation.
4.
Send an email to SEAPART@microsoft.com, and include all the information below:
1.
XP PRO Product Key and COA installed to the machine
2.
Vista Business/Ultimate Product Key and COA if possible
3.
XP Installation ID that shown in the system
4.
Customer information
5.
Microsoft will verify the information and respond within 24 hours. (Common case is about 5-6 hours)
6.
You will received an email from SEAPA, with the activation key. Key in the activation key.



I don't know how valid that email is since it's off the Malaysia partner page. But at least it's a starting point.