WinXP home oem compatible with Dell cd key?

[ivwshane]

I have a friend who's computer running winXP home got pretty hosed. I managed to restore it but it's still not running perfectly, unfortunately he no longer has the dell OS cd (I don't know if dell even ships one) and I saw no options to restore a factory image but even if there was one it would overwrite his files which I don't want.

If I have an OEM xp home cd will it activate with a dell winXP home cd key?

I've had many issues with incompatible cd keys and the various versions of windows not working so I'm looking for definitive answers.

 

[bacillus]

since both are OEM copies then the Dell XP key should work!

 

[jwhitt]

in my experiences with oem copies of xp, ms seems to make copies specificly for dell, hp, toshiba, etc...if you look on the dell cd key tag youll see a little dell in the top right, so in this situation, the key you have with your copy will have to be used on the install though thats illegal

 

[ivwshane]

So he's screwed basically:| I'm not giving him my key.

 

[nweaver]

I've not seen where OEM is tied to stuff like that. I would just install it, and if required, give it your key (don't think it will be though, should take the Dell key just fine). If you use yours, it will fail to activate, call up MS and explain. They are understanding and very helpful when I call them.

 

[jwhitt]

i cant count how many times ive had to call in and re-auth my key, i have 2 legit copies of pro and 2 machines that they each run on, though through mobo changes and forgetting which key went with what box those 3 auths per copy or whatever wear out fast, course theres always the option of looking for a vlm copy

 

[ivwshane]

I don't see any reason to go illegal since his system did come with a valid cd key originally.

I just don't understand why oem's don't give their customers an OS cd, even if it's tied to the bios it would still be better than that damn restore partition:|

 

[RebateMonger]

Since the Dell OEM keys are normally used with BIOS-locked versions of XP, it's quite possible that online Activation will be refused (i.e, you'll be able to install, but you won't be able to Activate). I imagine that Microsoft will allow a telephone activation.

I recommend that the owner try to obtain an orginal Dell XP install CD. I'd do this as soon as possible. OEMs can set time limits for how long they will provide install CDs. Once a PC's warranty expires, it can get a lot tougher (and more expensive) to get CDs from the manufacturer.

 

[John]

Originally posted by: ivwshane
If I have an OEM xp home cd will it activate with a dell winXP home cd key?

Yes. Sometimes you'll get lucky with online activation, but a majority of the time you'll have to phone it in (1-888-571-2048). The MS activation CSR will ask you the usual questions, and don't be surprised if they ask you to recite the actual product key in addition to the brand and model of the computer.

 

[ivwshane]

Maybe I should clarify (I'm surprised I didn't catch myself sooner).

When I say activate I'm not referring to the actual activation process (I know I just confused everyone), I'm referring to when you first enter in the cd key during the install. I've had issues where if the OS cd type did not match the key type then it would say invalid key (such as using an OEM key on a retail install).

So my question is whether or not I can use the dell cd key during the installation process of a normal OEM (non branded) cd.


Sorry for the confusion.

 

[UncleWai]

see this thread:
http://www.notebookforums.com/showthread.php?t=102715

that's how i got my restore discs, but it will take a few days to arrive.

 

[ivwshane]

Unfortunately the system (a desktop) was given to him as a gift and I know first hand how much of a pita dell can be if you aren't the original owner.

That thread did remind me that I had to replace the sonic cd stuff and the power dvd software with not so legal copies. What's the big deal with shipping customers cd's for the software they purchased? I'm sure customers are willing to spend the extra dollar it costs to have the cd's to avoid such issues:|

 

[RebateMonger]

The original purchaser can transfer "ownership" of the PC to somebody else using Dell's online tool.

 

[pcman83]

Originally posted by: John

Originally posted by: ivwshane
If I have an OEM xp home cd will it activate with a dell winXP home cd key?

Yes. Sometimes you'll get lucky with online activation, but a majority of the time you'll have to phone it in (1-888-571-2048). The MS activation CSR will ask you the usual questions, and don't be surprised if they ask you to recite the actual product key in addition to the brand and model of the computer.

It does work I have used dell keys on many oem home installations when the customer doesn not bring their disc. you will just have to call in and they will then activiate it. It will accept the key fine.

 

[ivwshane]

Great thanks!!

I don't mind calling in, it's a legit key so there shouldn't be any issues as far as activation is concerned.

 

[pcman83]

U R Correct

 

[MadRat]

Pay the $10 fee for Dell to send you a new CD copy.

 

[ivwshane]

I'm not paying nothing and I'm not going to make him pay for it either. I've got my solution, thanks.

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: ivwshane
I'm not paying nothing and I'm not going to make him pay for it either. I've got my solution, thanks.

Then you'll have to go through this all over again next time his computer is hosed.

I've read that Dell gives irate owners free CDs. Also, most Dell XP CDs don't require activation at all, since they are BIOS-locked versions. They are really nice to have if you own a Dell PC. That's probably why Dell stopped giving them out with new PCs for a while. They were a hot Ebay item. Dell didn't stop handing out CDs just to save $0.25 per PC. Microsoft had to grant an Dell special permission to product its own system restoration CDs that include XP. Only the very largest OEMs are allowed to do that.

 

[ivwshane]

Having to call in to activate isn't really a big deal to me and I'd rather do that then have to jump through hoops just to get a dell cd.

 

[Pats2005]

A collegue of mine buys and sells IBM Laptops all the time. 50% do not have any OS installed. He installs XP and uses the code on the underside of the PC to activate. It has never failed. I assume dell provides the same code.

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: Pats2005
A collegue of mine buys and sells IBM Laptops all the time. 50% do not have any OS installed. He installs XP and uses the code on the underside of the PC to activate. It has never failed. I assume dell provides the same code.

The situation with IBM OEM XP installs may be different than for Dells. Historically, Dell has used a BIOS-locked version of XP. When a Dell BIOS-locked version is installed on a DELL PC, there's no need to EVER activate. XP recognizes that it's a Dell and doesn't require activation. EVER.

About a year ago, Microsoft announced it would deny online activation of Product Keys that came with most PCs using BIOS-locked XP. This included Dell. So if you have a Product Key that Microsoft's records show came attached to a Dell with BIOS-locked XP, you can't activate online. You have to call and explain to Microsoft why you are activating that key. Since a Dell BIOS-locked verison of XP installed on a Dell computer should NEVER have to be activated, there's no reason why you should have to be calling in to activate. In theory, the only people calling in to activate those Keys are using them to install XP on a non-Dell motherboard, in violation of Microsoft's and Dell's licensing agreements.

If IBM didn't provide BIOS-locked XP with their laptops, or if Microsoft exempted IBM Product Keys from their policy, then you could activate an IBM XP installation online, using the Product Key on the laptop, and not have to call Microsoft.

 

[randomlinh]

i'm running into this problem for a friend.. her HD died basically. I'm trying to use an OEM xp home cd w/ the dell key, but it just does not work. It's not the activating part, it's the verification part when you first put in the key. It keeps rejecting it

 

[Patrick Wolf]

I have an Alienware XP Home CD, but it just seems like a regular XP CD with the exception of the Alienware name and logo placed here and there that don't affect anything.

The CD-key it came with is not BIOS-locked. And whenever I install XP it's through that blue screen when you boot from the disk, when I install that way I don't have to enter the CD-key, I only have to during activation. Oh, and my Alienware system came with a normal ASUS mobo, not an Alienware mobo or anything.

 

[Raduque]

Not sure about XPHome, but Dell's XPMCE isn't bioslocked.... when I reinstalled, I used the key on the bottom and had to activate. It passed fine.