Swapping versions

[#1]

Oh crikey - why does it have to be so complicated? 
The time is getting closer for a complete transfer to my Linux Ubuntu methinks! 

[#2]

Some BIOS's allow you to change the manufacturer field you know.

[#3]

Quote from: shutter

I used the disc from the EVESHAM laptop (VISTA HOME BASIC) and installed it on the new HDD in the OLD Dell.... No problem..  went in a treat... no queries from the setup, except the usual one`s... and it updates automatically.

You may well be able to get this to work but Microsoft says that it contravenes their licence agreement to transfer an OEM copy of Windows from one machine to another.

[#4]

If you have a lot of memory, perhaps you could run the Windows thing as a Virtual Machine within a friendly Linux wrapper?