Modding a Dimension 3000.

your operating system is a proprietary Dell version. it checks the BIOS to verify that the machine is the one it came bundled with. it will not function on a different machine.

it is also against Microsoft's EULA which makes it illegal to install it on anything other than the machine it came bundled with.

Are you serious? Argh, do you know of anyway I could get an official version or something? What does the bios check, the motherboard or what?

It doesn't matter ad long as you plan on changing the motherboard. Only a dell branded motherboard with a Dell Bios chip is going to work with a Dell OEM verison of windows.

Would it be possible to add on the BIOS chip onto the new motherboard?

No, Also is this system still under warranty, which I doubt it is but if it is your going to void it doing all these changes. But no you cant change the Bios chip, your basicly going to need a new copy of windows.

if by "official version" you mean a retail version (which can be installed on any machine, regardless of brand), then you will have to purchase one.

the Dell OS checks the BIOS to verify that it's a Dell motherboard.

no.

there is no way around it. it you don't want to buy a new OS, then you have to keep your current motherboard

Correct. You ahve to purchase a retail verison of Windows inorder to replace the motherboard. I'm guessing Windos XP should go down in price soon since WIndows Vista is out of the market but I dont know that for a fact. But you could get Windows Visa home premium OEM for $120 from NewEgg, in this case the OEM is for system builders and since your changing the motherboard, it is considering basicly building a new system so you can use the OEM verision and save since the Retail price is $230. So yeah $100 difference.

I know this thread is mad old but in the interest of someone stumbling across this thread looking to upgrade a Dell Dimension 3000 like I am I need to correct the OS issue.

Dell might have changed at a later date but in the time Dell Made the Dimension 3000 there was nothing to keep the Dell OS from being installed on other machines. Ive used my Dell Copy to test many different desktops from all sorts of manufacturers. The Dell Windows XP install disk also works on laptops. Just in case someone wants to know.