HP Compaq NX9600 PATA to SSD 120 Gb

1492 wrote:
I've not read the comments, so this may already be covered? You can get a decent HP or Dell Intel core i5 laptop from biz off-lease for $100. I've done so in the past, the HP notebook I bought was virtually flawless. Generally, they come without HD/SSD for security reasons. Some come with WIN OS license key stickers, though likely WIN 7 at this stage.

I wouldn't even consider using a Pentium based processor PC. Never heard of a PATA SSD, which would be moot as they won't support anywhere near today's SSD speeds. You also get into Bios compatibility issues with old hardware.

You're basically just asking for unnecessary frustrations with trying to upgrade an old Pentium notebook. Not to mention, if you're connecting to the internet, you should not be using any OS not security patch supported. Hackers can gain access to your system through vulnerabilities without any indication that they are doing so. This could give them access to other computers on your home network?

Instead, just buy a WIN 10 license key. You don't need the install disc, as you can download the full WIN 10 image free directly from Microsoft. Using the option to create a bootable USB flash install drive is generally the easiest method.

OP doesn't need to buy a Win10 license since they already have a Win7 license key..

The Win7 can be used to activate a Win10 install from scratch, the trick is to skip the step of entering a license key at the beginning of the install. Instead you allow Win10 to install without any Internet connection and allow the install to complete.

Once install has completed, you connect PC to Internet, then manually activate. Activation will error out and offer you the option to enter a license key. It is at this point you enter the Win7 license key and allow activation. Win10 will now return activated with a Digital license.

That's it, it does work, I recently did this within the last couple of weeks so it still works.

OP has all the items they need so why not give it a try, they have nothing to lose other than a couple of hrs playing around.. If it isn't satisfactory, they always have the option to return the PC back to XP or Linux or even give it to Goodwill or any tech recycler..

I see no harm in trying, I would agree that for most modern software there will be some speed downsides but in reality, OP is giving it to a kid and spending on age, doesn't need all that much speed. Heck even with XP, they could install Open Office or Libra Office, the last version of Firefox and have most basics covered..

I have done the same thing with my own hand me down PCs, it wasn't until my DD was entering College when I bought her a real serious fire breathing i7 quad core 2 in 1 laptop and put in a 1TB SSD with Win10 Pro customized heavily to stop Updates for OS stability so I wasn't spending the rest of my life fixing MS botched updates. Yes, that laptop cost $1500 but I wanted to get her one that would be sufficient hardware to outlast her College days. So far 3 yrs in and I have not had any complaints from my DD..