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Dell Dimension 4300 motherboard replacement

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  • Computers
  • Dell
  • Motherboards
  • Dimension
Last response: in Motherboards
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July 29, 2014 3:16:05 PM

I have this old Dell Dimension 4300 computer with Windows XP SP3. This computer is limited in maximum memory and thus unbearably slow. The logical approach would be to buy a new computer however I have a number of applications on this machine such as MS Office 2010, Adobe Acrobat Pro and others that I am trying to avoid purchasing again.
I'm wondering if a later model Dell motherboard can be purchased from the used market that will fit in this chassis and allow me to keep using my OS and applications.
Alternatively, could I image my disk and move it to a newer model Dell computer, staying legal with my OEM Windows license?
Any advice is appreciated.

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a b V Motherboard
July 29, 2014 3:25:46 PM

Technically if you deactivate the products at the manufacturer's website then you should be able to reinstall them. If that doesn't work, call support and tell them that you upgraded to a new computer and can't move your licenses and they'll fix it for you.
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a c 190 V Motherboard
July 29, 2014 3:27:56 PM

Pre-Windows 8 OEM (i.e. System Builders/Manufacturer included) licenses, such as yours from Dell, is tied to the motherboard. Installing a newer motherboard would require you to purchase a new license. Purchasing a new license (if you could even find a legitimate Windows license for sale anymore) for a new motherboard would still require you to re-install the OS and all your programs.

-Wolf sends
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a c 257 V Motherboard
July 29, 2014 3:56:38 PM

Your OS is the only one that would be problematic. Everything else can be reinstalled, assuming you still have the install media and license keys (Office in particular).

For the OS:
1. You really need to move off XP. It is completely out of any support from MS.
2. A new motherboard will require a new OS install. Along with all your applications
3. Imaging is the same...it will see the new hardware almost certainly won't work.
4. A 'newer model Dell computer' makes no difference. It is a different motherboard. That old XP is licensed to that old motherboard.

Time to move to something different than XP.
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