[Closed] Numpty Windows XP re-install question

The product key needs to match the XP version. I expect Dell will have a specific version so you'll need a Dell disk. You'll need to register if you want updates, if its all legal then there are no issues, if its not then you might get few warning messages.

Short answer, no.

The key is an OEM key which won't work with a retail copy of XP. An OEM CD will have to be a Dell disc as it's got files on it which match an ID string on the machine's BIOS.

Assuming you get it installed, you'll need to activate it. You can't do this online as MS have disabled OEM online activation due to mass piracy, so you'll have to ring them. This is reasonably painless, but last time I had to do it they wouldn't take me on because I hadn't used an original CD.

I'd suggest reading this.
http://forums.mydigitallife.info/threads/18173-Multi-OEM-Windows-XP-Pro-with-OEMScan

Download the copy of XP linked here (you'll need a DVD cos it's bigger than a regular disc with all the additional OEMBIOS files).

You'll probably need to use an SLP key with this disc. This is a legitimate reinstallation key designed to preserve a previous activation. You can get that here. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_Locked_Preinstallation The groovy thing about this method is that it'll skip the activation requirement.

Try Ubuntu first, it may be easier.

There are tools available online to manipulate XP in whatever way you want.

Try Ubuntu first, it may be easier.

Regular as clockwork.

There are tools available online to manipulate XP in whatever way you want.

The method I've posted is legal and pre-manipulated so you don't have to bugger about with it.

Same issue with my Dell Inspiron. The hidden partition containing the OS became corrupt. Kind soul on here did me a copy of his Dell CD. Installed perfectly, had no issues with registration etc, & the laptop has worked perfectly since (5 months).
Drop me an email. 😉

Actually, that's a very good point. Is there no "press a function key on startup to restore factory defaults" recovery partition on that machine?

F11 on startup innit? If it is broke, there's a method of repairing it which I have used with success. The name eludes me right now but if you want it I'll do some searching

EDIT: [url= http://www.goodells.net/dellrestore/fixes.shtml ]Found it[/url]

Thanks for all the excellent info.

Unfortunately its a Precision 470 desktop and doesn't seem to have a restore partition, I'll try the digital life download and take it from there.

winston_dog - Member
Thanks for all the excellent info.

Unfortunately its a Precision 470 desktop and doesn't seem to have a restore partition, I'll try the digital life download and take it from there

Shoot me an email if you fancy upgrading to Win7... ali DOT fay AT gmail DOT com

All legit, and above board... 😉

Cougar, my advice is good and valid. It's you that can't help yourself with the fanboi type follow up comment.

I had this problem with my brothers pc. I think I phoned Dell and told them and they sent me a copy of the CD in the post.

I bought a new XP disc off the Bay.

£18 delivered and it was a Dell OEM CD with a Product Key.

Linky,

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Windows-XP-Professional-SP3-FULL-INSTALL-CoA-license-/120696199410?pt=UK_Computing_Software_Software_SR&hash=item1c1a0dd8f2