Sorry, I did a preview, and the system saved the file.
1) How can I fix this problem using the present Vista OEM. Yes, I realize the legal issues, but I just need to know why this would occur.
2) The mouse not functioning.... any ideas on that issue.
I have an XP Home Edition (full install) with COA. If I were to do a clean install onto the Dell machine, what would I need. Would I have functionality with the USB keyboard and USB mouse immediately? I do realize I would need Dell XP drivers for all the hardware(keyboard,mouse,and graphics card, sound, etc)after it boots up.
I live in a retirement community (FL). Neighbors drop off Computer items, and if lucky, I can rebuild into something useful, even donating a working machine to an elder.
What I have on the bench:
A) Given Dell Inspiron 518, no Hard Drive. Labels: Vista Premium label), Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, E7200, 2.53, 4GB RAM
B) Vista Ultimate SP2 32bit left over from my personal upgrade to a 1T HD.
What I did "only as a TEST":
1) Pluggged in the drive to what would happen.
2) It booted into Vista with the following messages:
a) Windows host process Rundll32 has stopped working
b)Windows needs to install driver for SM Bus controller
c)As this unit is USB keyboard and USB mouse
1) USB keyboard does work during boot-up, and get into F2, F12
2) USB mouse (tried two) do not work. NO PS2 mouse port.

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