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General discussion

Vista OS OEM HP vs DELL vs XP full install

Sep 30, 2010 1:21AM PDT

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.

Discussion is locked

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The questions I need answered
Sep 30, 2010 1:32AM PDT

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.

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New update
Sep 30, 2010 2:23AM PDT

After 20 minutes, it finally settled down. Mouse is now working.

1) Must remove the Vista OS hard drive (stated 2 days left to authenicate) in properties.
2)Still have SM BUS controller problem
3) Still have Rndll32 problem

Examined Device Manager, finding 3 Yellow flags (1) Display VGA driver, this was to be expected), (2) Other devices, SM Bus Controller located at PCI bus. Error code 1, (3) Realtek PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet NIC

Went to Dell, you type in the Service #, and that exact machine comes up. This machine is Vista OS, and there is no apparent driver sets for XP OS. So, I guess XP is out of the question............ or is it??????

So now I really need some help. My goal with the unit now would be to validate the Vista OS (paying MS their tuppence).

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WOW new Vista OS for $20.00
Sep 30, 2010 3:43AM PDT

Called Dell, got excellent service, no hassle. no pain.

1) Dell has a transfer of ownership webpage. Once I transfer the Dell to me, all I have to pay is $20 for the OEM Vista DVD.
2) Also links were supplied to (4) specific drivers that I will need.

Nice to know I will be able to get this done, and so cheaply.