Lack of original software?

Please excuse if this was asked before, but I'd appreciate the info:

I currently have Dell/Win-XP. Is it true that Dell XP CDs wouldn't function on an older thinkpad? If so, is there any affordable solution to old laptops which lack original install software & drivers?

Also, what other expensive pitfalls are there with older used laptops?

 

Depends on what dell disk you got. If it is an OEM dell disk, then no you can't use it on any other laptop except for dell. If it is a retail disk, then you could use it on your thinkpad.

The disk should be labeled with either OEM (might just say Dell) or retail XP.

 

Affordable (as in Free) solutions to old Laptops is Linux

I would suggest Ubuntu

Expensive Pitfalls to Laptops ? Parts wear out - Parts are hard to find (if you want to add memory / CD burner , etc)

I would suggest the disk drive is likley first component to fail , although people here have had Laptops running many years (5 , 6+) without any issues.

I guess it would depend on how it was treated , how old is old and what you consider expensive ?

 

Dells CDs haven't worked in other PCs for quite some time. Perhaps you can call IBM and request a copy of the discs, but you'll probably have to pay though less than a new copy of Windows. Ebay is another option.

 

Thank y'all very much!

There's so many versions of Linux it's mind-boggling.
Someone like me (with no-frills, no-games, just basic surfing) would most prefer a basic Dummies version, that's ultra-easy to catch on to. If Ubuntu fits that description, then maybe I should consider it.

Meanwhile, re: shopping for Windows CDs via Ebay, I'm not sure what keywords to search for which would ensure a set of Windows install disks (disks AND drivers??) that would work on most laptops at least a couple of years old.

Other than [the over-glorified] Windows XP, is there any earlier version touted to be stable? If so, what keywords to enter in Ebay search?

 

Unbuntu Linux runs pretty good. For an older ThinkPad might want to try Windows 2000. All the drivers will be on Lenovo's site.

 

Thanks - the thing is, re: Windows, I don't even have a CD-burner with my desktop (just CD-ROM drive - no way to download drivers onto a CD.

I do have Iomega zip-drive, as well as 250-mb zip disks with my desktop, but not sure that would work.