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Any reason why WinXP Pro wouldn't accept Dell WinXP Pro serial number?

A

AndrewR

Lifer
I have a Dell Latitude D600, and I had to reinstall WinXP on it. When I bought the laptop (used), it had the authenticity sticker on the bottom but did not have the original Dell CDs with it. I have another retail copy of XP Pro, and I installed that on the laptop. However, when I entered the Dell serial from the sticker, it wouldn't accept it, saying it was invalid.

Any particular reason why? Dell is being jerky about providing me with new installation CDs for the laptop so I've basically "lost" a valid copy of XP. 🙁
 
Not sure but maybe the string of numbers are totally different.

I do know that when you use the actual Dell installation CD on a Dell machine, it doesnt even ask you to type in the serial number. Its built into the computer somehow. A buddy of mine with the same laptop as me lost his installation disc and my copy of XP Home installed on his without a problem.

Thats pretty annoying these new computers dont come with the CD's these days. I know Dell gives you a piece of paper that looks like a CD and you mail it back to them with $10 and they will send the disc.
 
The serial number on the Dell COA sticker is an OEM number. It won't work with a Retail XP CD. Retail serials work with Retail CDs. OEM serials work with OEM CDs.

Unfortunately, you either need to acquire a Dell OEM XP Pro CD or buy a new copy of XP.
 
Originally posted by: RebateMonger
The serial number on the Dell COA sticker is an OEM number. It won't work with a Retail XP CD. Retail serials work with Retail CDs. OEM serials work with OEM CDs.

Unfortunately, you either need to acquire a Dell OEM XP Pro CD or buy a new copy of XP.
Click to expand...

Ok, I was wondering if there was some difference like that. I'll look into finding a spare copy of a Dell OEM CD. Thanks.
 
You don't necessarily need a 'Dell branded' XP Pro cd, any XP Pro OEM (full version) will work fine.
 
MS knocks out wide ranges of serials for their OEM resellers that cater to corporate customers that use a single serial for all of their machines. All of those pesky stickers on machines could lead to alot of piracy by the corporate employees you know.
 
Originally posted by: John
You don't necessarily need a 'Dell branded' XP Pro cd, any XP Pro OEM (full version) will work fine.
Click to expand...

I figured when I wrote my post that this was likely the case, but thanks for confirming that.
 
Originally posted by: John
You don't necessarily need a 'Dell branded' XP Pro cd, any XP Pro OEM (full version) will work fine.
Click to expand...
If you can though I would try and find a Dell one (as opposed to a logo one bought from a supplier). The Dell OEM CD will have Dell's SLP pre-activated key in the install so you wont have to enter a key during install and you wont have to activate it after it has been installed.

Of course if you cant find a Dell CD most OEM CDs will work fine.
 
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