Gateway Windows CD wont install on Non-Gateway Computers

[bluebear56]

I have only recently discovered that our families Gateway Windows 98 CD does not install on Non-Gateway Computers. This is most frustrating. I have searched the net for solutions but am stumped on ways to bypass the Gateway modifications. Can any one suggest any?

I know it can be done as one bloke somewhere (cant recall where) said so, but he couldnt recall the files that needed modifying. Bypassing my Own CD shouldnt be illegal as I should have the right to install my Windows OS CD on any computer regardless of who I bought it from.

Note:
1. Our Computer came packaged with the Gateway Software and OS when we bought it around 1998. However Gateway has stopped distributing in Australia since then.
2. I bought the CD and do not intend on buying another copy that is Retail so dont suggest it. I do own XP but the computer I am installing on wont be able to handle XP.

Thanks
Pete

[Idnew]

"The recovery CD must be 'digitally' tied to the PC with which it was distributed, by means of a BIOS lock. The recovery CD contains an alphanumeric string that it searches the PC for, and must find in either a region of the BIOS or (optionally) in a particular sector of the hard disk. If the string is not located during initial execution of the recovery process, the procedure halts with an error message. The Windows setup files on the recovery CD are encrypted to prevent access from outside the recovery setup routine. The aim is to prevent installation of the operating system on a PC for which it was not intended.
"The main problem encountered so far concerns using a recovery CD on a PC whose BIOS has been updated and as a result the BIOS lock string has been overwritten. In this case the OS is, as already described, not recoverable. To date there is no official solution for this problem."

This site goes into more detail. The Scoop on CD-less Windows PCs (http://www.winmag.com/columns/insider/2000/23.htm")

[Nick Grana]

Using gateway cd on another system (http://windows.ittoolbox.com/documents/popular-q-and-a/using-an-oem-windows-2000-cd-on-another-machine-2555)
But, while searching, I found the bloke that said he did it. He still suffers from memory loss.:dizzy:
Check Ebay for disks to by cheaply.:michaelan

[Idnew]

But, while searching, I found the bloke that said he did it. He still suffers from memory loss :rotflmao:

[jtdoom]

I think you found out it is not done... and actually, a gateway CD is sold at low cost to the OEM, and is reflected in the price of the machine. (some bundled software and bundled SW/suites would cost as much as the hardware, if you bought it retail...)

one CAN buy an OEM disk, non-branded, but it has to come along with some essential hardware, or (of course) a PC you buy custom parts for. It costs you more than what gateway paid, tho.
an OEM licence stays with the hardware... and a gateway OEM licence stays with gateway machine.

when you scrap the gateway machine, (meaning, it is unusable and gets destroyed) but you think the key code would work in another machine when one uses a non-branded OEM CD, I would have to agree that this will work. Bbut it is, technically speaking, still not legal.

Now something else... that BIOS flash making the restore function unusable..
"The main problem encountered so far concerns using a recovery CD on a PC whose BIOS has been updated and as a result the BIOS lock string has been overwritten. In this case the OS is, as already described, not recoverable. To date there is no official solution for this problem."

in some brands, after a flash , it can be done.
I personally did it in a packard bell.
details are in that butter thread my sig points to...
Compaq use(d/s) Bomid and that can be restored.

I am NOT saying it can be done in all brands.

[bluebear56]

Well that might be promising.
Here are my computer specs:

Hewlett Packard HP Vectra VL 7/266
PUMA
BIOS: Phoneix Technologoes Ltd.
H1/01/07US 08/06/98

Any Hope?

[GX1_Man]

I don't think you will be successful in putting a restore CD on another make of machine. Best to buy a copy of the O/S.