Install XP from Dell Disk

MattM76

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Dec 8, 2005
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Can you tell me if i can install Xp form the XP disk that comes with all new Dell computers on a differetn computer? I have the XP product key obviously.

What about activation.. What info doe microsoft use form your computer to activate?

Thanks, Matt
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13black

Senior member
May 2, 2003
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Most likely no. I beleive Dell uses System Locked Preinstallation on there CDs

System Locked Preinstallation, often abbreviated as SLP, is a procedure used by major computer manufacturers in order to preactivate Microsoft's operating systems Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 before mass distribution. Operating systems that use SLP check for a particular text string in a computer's BIOS upon booting. If the text string does not match the information stored in the particular installation's OEMBIOS files, the user is prompted to activate his or her copy as normal. This effectively "locks" the operating system to the qualified motherboard.
 

bruceb

Diamond Member
Aug 20, 2004
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It is also not legal .... unless you are installing on another Dell computer
 

MattM76

Member
Dec 8, 2005
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so what are the options assuming you had replaced the mobo and HD on your dell- you;d be stuck buying another XP pro license.. Seems unfair.

Matt
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TG2

Banned
Nov 14, 2005
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If you replaced the mobo in your dell, youd have to buy another Dell mobo to fit in the Dell case, regular ATX mobo might not fit in there.
The XP is OK to put on a replacement mobo, but the replacement mobo has to be the same model as the original.

Your Dell CD probably would install on another PC, but would make you type in the CDkey that you already have from the COA.

That brings up another ?, is the XP license you have, an OEM or retail one?

The Dell CD is likely OEM, so if your COA is Retail, your out of luck
 

pcgeek11

Lifer
Jun 12, 2005
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Originally posted by: hofan41
i asked a question and pcgeek11 had a great idea to just delete the winnt.sif file and the $OEM$ folder inside your dell cd, and make a boot copy of the rest of the files. if you dont know how to make a boot copy search yahoo for slipstream windows xp and follow the instructions on making a boot cd.

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=34&threadid=1966240&enterthread=y

You don't even have to delete the winnt.sif, you will just have to supply a legal OEM CD key by using a key changer " magic jelly beans etc... ). I made custom SP2 slipstreamed copies for each of my PC's by changing the winnt.sif cd key for each one, using a Dell OEM XP Pro.

pcgeek11

 

MattM76

Member
Dec 8, 2005
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So turns out that the Dell CD lacks everything that would allow me to easily upgrade- cant even buy a legal key from Microsoft and use that. Basically stuck buying a new XP pro disk.

Matt
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TG2

Banned
Nov 14, 2005
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If it came withthe Dell, its an OEM CDKey (99% sure of that)
retailis when you buy it in the fancy box at best Buy or Staples.
 

RebateMonger

Elite Member
Dec 24, 2005
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Microsoft has ALWAYS restricted the transfer of OEM licenses. But it wasn't until XP (and Product Activation) that Microsoft could ENFORCE its licensing restrictions.

When you buy a new Dell computer, you are likely paying $10-$20 for the Dell XP Home license. In exchange for the low price, Microsoft restricts the transfer of the license to another computer. It's a trade-off that gives people good, cheap PCs that they pass on to somebody else when they buy a new PC.

Dells and other large-OEM brands are not sold for their upgradeability. You buy them, use them, and get a new one when the old one breaks or reaches end-of-life.
 

vo

Golden Member
Dec 10, 2002
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Originally posted by: RebateMonger
Microsoft has ALWAYS restricted the transfer of OEM licenses. But it wasn't until XP (and Product Activation) that Microsoft could ENFORCE its licensing restrictions.

When you buy a new Dell computer, you are likely paying $10-$20 for the Dell XP Home license. In exchange for the low price, Microsoft restricts the transfer of the license to another computer. It's a trade-off that gives people good, cheap PCs that they pass on to somebody else when they buy a new PC.

Dells and other large-OEM brands are not sold for their upgradeability. You buy them, use them, and get a new one when the old one breaks or reaches end-of-life.

Well, how about this:
I got an Hp machine about a couple years old with Window XP on it. It does not come with the restore disks, it's a hidden partition in the HD. Ok, couple months ago, the HD died on me. I have the COA on the comp but tried every XP CD I can borrow but cannot install. It keep saying that it's not a valid key. I called Hp and they basically said I am SOL since it's out of warranty.
 

bruceb

Diamond Member
Aug 20, 2004
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First on the Dell .. if the Mobo dies and you manage to install a non dell mobo in the dell case (hard to do as some of the
wiring is not standard on a dell) ... in most cases ms will activate it ... just call and explain ... bad mobo, same type not available

Second, on the HP ... A XP OEM CD (full version) of the correct kind (Home, Pro, MCE) should install just fine with the key
on the pc case .. as to the restore partition ... try slaving the drive in another pc .... see if you can access that partition that way
.. you may need a Linux boot disk to do this ... if you can copy that partition to another drive or to cd asap

Third ... you can get a HP Restore CD Set from here: http://www.restoredisks.com/
the cost is usually less than $50 delivered to your door
 

3NF

Golden Member
Feb 5, 2005
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I had no problems using the Dell XP disk to install windows on a non Dell box ...
 

RebateMonger

Elite Member
Dec 24, 2005
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Originally posted by: vo
I called Hp and they basically said I am SOL since it's out of warranty.
Don't buy any PC without obtaining a working OS Restore CD. If you have to pay extra for it, then add that cost to the cost of the computer. A PC without a Restore CD is like a car with tires tthat you can't change. Eventually the tires will get a hole in them.

Once you get a Restore CD, make a copy of it and put the copy someplace safe.
 

AndeeG

Member
Oct 18, 2006
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I did it just fine with my new self-build computer. It installed just as with the dell only it doesn't auto-recognize that it's the correct computer so it makes you authorize it within 30 days.