Question about using Windows XP service pack 2 disc on a Dell

[Reasonable Doubt]

Ok here's the problem. I have an old Dell desktop computer. It came with an XP reinstallation disc but it's not a service pack 2 version. Can I use the Windows XP service pack 2 upgrade disc that I bought from the store to reinstall Windows XP on the Dell computer using the product key on the sticker thing on the side of the Dell computer?

Or will it not work.


Thanks in advance.

 

[StormSide]

It won't work. Best thing to do at this point would be to reinstall the Dell XP and
then install SP3 before you do any other updates.

 

[jjsbasmt]

I don't think that will work using the upgrade disc with an OEM key. Use the XP reinstallation disc and then download the Sp/2 and Sp/3 from MS and you are all set. No key needed. I've done this for a lot of folks.

 

[jjsbasmt]

Sorry StormSide, looks like we posted at about the same time.

 

[JackMDS]

Sure, you can do a clean install of Retail.

You can also install the original Win XP that you have from Dell, and apply SP3 there after (SP3 include SP1, SP1a, SP2, & SP3).

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4&displaylang=en

.

 

[vailr]

Slipstream SP3, using the Dell XP SP1 (or SP0) disk as the "begin point".
Fairly easy to do, by following online instructions. If all goes right, you'll then have a "perfectly legal" Dell XP SP3 install disc. Resulting in a cleaner XP install, than when installing SP3 afterwords.
Note: burn the CD at the slowest speed possible (4x), for best results.

 

[RebateMonger]

The Key on the COA sticker on your case is an XP OEM Key. It will only work with OEM disk (Dell or generic). An "Upgrade" disk is, doubtless, a Retail Upgrade, which will require a Retail Key for installation and Activation.

Use the Dell OEM Install CD. It won't require the use of an Activation Key. If that CD doesn't have SP1 or higher, I'd suggest "slipstreaming" it to at least SP2 using nLite. It's very easy to do.

 

[SirGeeO]

I'm with Jack, you can do it, I do it all the time.

<--owner of 5 Dell's, 2 OS' discs
So you know the discs aren't for the other systems.
I switch PC's back and forth from XP to Vista all the time, without having to register a product key, it does it on it own.