Received a laptop with no harddrive

[indyblue250]

I receieved this laptop, a couple years old for free.  He was going to throw it away and I said I would take it.  Well it has no harddrive.  So if I buy an external harddrive, I will need to buy windows also?  Is there any way to get windows discounted?  For example I know you get office discounted if you have a student.  Or what other alternatives are there?

[ultimatum]

I doubt you can get a windows discount unless you get it second hand from someone else, thats all I can mention in this forum.

[kuszmania9999]

as far as i know, you can't install operating system in an external hard drive, buy internal hdd and about the operating system you can try linux, it's free.

[quaxo]

You can install an OS on an external device (HDD, cards, flash drives, etc.) if your BIOS supports booting from USB devices. Otherwise, you'll need to purchase an internal hard drive.

That's all anyone can tell you without knowing the model of the laptop.

As for getting Windows for a discount, there's no legal or illegal way that I'm willing to discuss. If you don't want to shell out the money for Windows, I suggest you listen to Kuszmania. If you're not wanting to really use this laptop for gaming, Linux is an excellent choice. It's free, it's functional, and most builds come with loads of useful software... all free.

[homer]

you can buy an OEM version of windows.

[ultimatum]

Whats OEM version of Windows?

[quaxo]

It's a version of Windows licensed for distribution with new PCs. Since that's not the case with what you're doing, it wouldn't be legitimate which is why I didn't mention it.

[homer]

i dont know whether or not purchasing an OEM version of windows for an old PC is legitimate or not, but many online distributers sell the OEM version regardless if it is for a new PC or not.

OEM version of windows is way cheaper than the retail version. the difference is that the OEM version does not come in a nice colourful box and it does not come with a users manual (other then installation instructions). a major difference between XP OEM and Vista OEM, is that the Vista OEM version binds itself to your motherboard. meaning, if you upgrade your motherboard, you will have to call microsoft and get them to unbind your operating system so you can reinstall vista on your new motherboard.

[squall_01]

You could try an find a rebated version. Thought I'm not sure if they rebate os

[quaxo]

The full Home edition is only $80 retail now. The OEM version isn't much cheaper, maybe a few bucks. Still doesn't make it ok.

[ultimatum]

80$ retail is pennies comparing to what it used to be.

[Sid]

The full Home edition is only $80 retail now. The OEM version isn't much cheaper, maybe a few bucks. Still doesn't make it ok.

As I understood OEM O/S's:

You could buy one and use it if you were also buying an essential piece of kit, IE a HDD, or mobo.

[quaxo]

The OEM license for any product is up to the OEM (original equipment manufacturer). In this case, Microsoft. Microsoft labels all OEM software with the same message: Only to be distributed with a new PC. You're right, some OEM software is sold with essential pieces, or sometimes any piece, to bypass the requirements of the OEM agreement. However, it's considered a questionable practice and software companies have the right to refuse upgrades/service due to breaking the license agreement.

[Deerpark]

You can install an OS on an external device (HDD, cards, flash drives, etc.) if your BIOS supports booting from USB device. Otherwise, you'll need to purchase an internal hard drive.

No it is not as easy as that. This have been discussed several times on this forum. XP (and Vista as well) have several safeguards that prevents booting it from an USB device. You can make it boot but this is not easy and not something I would recommended for everyday use. Here's a couple of recent threads on the topic.
http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,47447.msg301040.html#msg301040
http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,47741.msg300865.html#msg300865

[patio]

Thank you Deerpark.

You saved me some typing....