Pesky crash during XP install

[Virgorising]

OK this is weird. There is NO SLIC string for SLP 1.0 in this Dell BIOS that I can find with ACPI dump or SLIC checker tools, which means it does not support OEM pre-activation. But the Product Key that was previously installed/used was NOT the product key from the COA (I obtained it using Magical JellyBean Key Finder prior to wiping it). The product key that was 'installed' does not resolve to any known OEM preactivation keys.

A Dell system that does NOT support OEM preactivation for the supported installed OS?? Weird.

I like you are delving exhaustively. I relate. Again, all you need to to save time, is a real time chat with one of Dell's off the chain fabulous reps using yr service tag. They will give you important data and help clear this up.

I speak from personal experience, quite recent.

 

[tcsenter]

So.....can you please just say if you have a not OEM copy of Windows 7 which could be activated in the system like the retail copy of XP which naturally installed.... without their having to pay? Any not OEM copy.

No, I don't have any "free" copies of Windows 7 (nor any other Microsoft OS for that matter). I installed Vista and Windows 7 in trial or grace mode without inputting a product key, which require activation after 30 days (not including the rearm trick). The Dell machine came with a COA containing legit product key for Windows XP Professional, which I can use for install or activation.

 

[Virgorising]

No, I don't have any "free" copies of Windows 7 (nor any other Microsoft OS for that matter). I installed Vista and Windows 7 in trial or grace mode without inputting a product key, which require activation after 30 days (not including the rearm trick). The Dell machine came with a COA containing legit product key for Windows XP Professional, which I can use for install or activation.

Hey.

I truly appreciate these data, I am now clear. I never meant "free'....I mean possibly a copy of something with multiple licensing.

I see the true dilemma clearly now......but still suggest you use the service tag and do a real time chat at Dell. Why not? Their people are all sharp and all class acts. If you tell them about the CPU upgrade, they will tell you your official options, and if you might qualify to be sent media.

Is it possible, officially you could only be sent the media reflecting the system as it shipped? Sure. But we don't know. Never hurts to try. That is how amazing things get done, after all. (I speak from personal experience.)

Especially, if you persist, be kind and logical. Cause you and those you are trying to help deserve it.

And, if the techie you get, says no, ask for a Supervisor, someone who can make judgements in these things beyond the book. They exist.

My toes are crossed again.
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Addendum: You could even link whoever U get to this thread. I did that not long ago when I finally got I should go to Dell.....and that ended up a fabulous adventure for all, and I finally got the info I needed. Dell support right now is worldclass. Cause Michael Dell got what the paradigm should be and put it all in place.

 

[tcsenter]

At this point, its all moot, since I now can get XP Professional installed then I can just use the product key from COA to manually activate. I was initially hoping to use OEM pre-activation feature by using install media with Dell-specific OEMBIOS files but it appears the BIOS in this Dell machine does NOT contain any SLIC data at all. Again, weird. Thanks for the responses.

 

[Virgorising]

At this point, its all moot, since I now can get XP Professional installed then I can just use the product key from COA to manually activate. I was initially hoping to use OEM pre-activation feature by using install media with Dell-specific OEMBIOS files but it appears the BIOS in this Dell machine does NOT contain any SLIC data at all. Again, weird. Thanks for the responses.

Thanks for the further clarification. I wasn't sure if the copy of XP you installed could be activated or not. Thinking maybe not is the only reason I suggested what I did. Now that I get it can be activated, yes, is all moot.

I only wish you had an option to install an OS which will go on being supported past April, is all. Eps since the original problem was infection.