Installing XP on any computer does NOT void the warranty. The Magnuson-Moss act prevents this. You can write your own OS and install it on the new computer. Dell will NOT support OS issues, but they MUST honor the warranty on the hardware.

Basically if a hardware component dies they fix it within the warranty period. If you can’t get programs to open, work correctly, etc it’s on you to figure out.

This can, however, get complicated. If you install another OS besides what Dell provided as there may be driver issues between the OS and the hardware. Drivers fall under software, and as a result Dell is not responsible if hardware does not work in this case.

Dell may also make you jump through additional hoops to get support. They may only help with hardware issues if you install the original OS. The reasoning behind this is basically driver related.