DELL reinstall disk on new system

[AndeeG]

I just built my own computer but I don't yet have a copy of windows. However, i have the windows reinstall disk that came with my dell but i've been told that it will not work on any computer other than the one it comes with. Is this true or could I use it to install windows on my new machine?

 

[RebateMonger]

What Key number are you planning on using?

 

[AndeeG]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger
What Key number are you planning on using?

I'm not sure, I never had to enter any key numbers when reinstalling windows on the Dell.

 

[John]

Originally posted by: AndeeG
I just built my own computer but I don't yet have a copy of windows. However, i have the windows reinstall disk that came with my dell but i've been told that it will not work on any computer other than the one it comes with. Is this true or could I use it to install windows on my new machine?

False, but if you do it is piracy.

Originally posted by: AndeeG

Originally posted by: RebateMonger
What Key number are you planning on using?

I'm not sure, I never had to enter any key numbers when reinstalling windows on the Dell.

If you use that Dell CD with the volume license key on a any computer besides the one that it shipped with you are violating the Microsoft EULA (aka piracy). However if you already have a key that belongs to the other computer, and it matches the version of Windows on the Dell cd, you can use a keychanger program to remain legal. I hope this makes sense, if not then you should buy a new copy of the OS to remain legal.

 

[AndeeG]

Originally posted by: John

Originally posted by: AndeeG
I just built my own computer but I don't yet have a copy of windows. However, i have the windows reinstall disk that came with my dell but i've been told that it will not work on any computer other than the one it comes with. Is this true or could I use it to install windows on my new machine?

False, but if you do it is piracy.

I honestly do not remember ever having entered it when installing the OS. I just checked the reinstall CD as well as the little booklet that came with the comp and nowhere on it is a key code. It says something about the certificate of authenticity label being removed and attached to the computer itself. Would that be the key code? because i don't remember ever having entered that either.

 

[John]

The Dell cd has a volume license key imbedded therefore you do not have to activate it. However it is not meant to be installed on any other computer except the Dell pc that it shipped with. In some cases you'll fail validation using the imbedded key and have to use a key changer program to switch it to the product key affixed to the side of your Dell case. In a nutshell you need to buy a new copy of windows for your new PC to remain "legal". If you buy XP OEM you get a free vista upgrade coupon.

XP Home
XP Pro

 

[AndeeG]

Originally posted by: John
The Dell cd has a volume license key imbedded therefore you do not have to activate it. However it is not meant to be installed on any other computer except the Dell pc that it shipped with. In some cases you'll fail validation using the imbedded key and have to use a key changer program to switch it to the product key affixed to the side of your Dell case. In a nutshell you need to buy a new copy of windows for your new PC to remain "legal". If you buy XP OEM you get a free vista upgrade coupon.

XP Home
XP Pro

Thanks for the info. I tried installing xp on my new PC with the DELL disk and i had to enter the cd key, which it would not accept as valid. It makes sense!

Now, I have to decide what the best way to purchase windows would be. I'm a highschool student if that helps at all. Up until recently I could have purchased windows online for $27 with my student discount, but no more . Now i'm hoping that my cousin, who lives with us and goes to the local community college will be able to get a copy for cheap from the book store. Are there any other viable alternatives that you know of?