WinXP Pro and Dell Question

[brettjrob]

I've had a Dell Inspiron 6000 for about a year now that came pre-loaded with WinXP Pro. I've run into various issues lately and am to the point where I just want to reformat and reinstall (which I've done many times on my home-built desktop, but never on the lappy). I have a product key, but I'm wondering if it is specific to the "Dell-flavor" WinXP. Does anyone have any experience re-installing XP off of a standard CD using a Dell key, and if so, does it work?

Now for the other issue. In the process of creating a separate data partition right after I bought this system I deleted the rather annoying "backup partition," which is the only copy of Windows that Dell seems to provide with their systems :roll:. Therefore, it seems that I'll also need to find a way to get a CD or ISO image for XP Pro. Obviously there are torrent sites and such, but everything I find there seems to be hacked or corporate versions that probably either won't take my key or will give me problems with the "Genuine Advantage" bullshit once it does install. So... does anyone know where online I might be able to find an ISO image of the regular, consumer version WinXP Pro?

Thanks for any help...

 

[brettjrob]

I just called Dell and they claim that they are unable to send me any type of restore CD or XP CD-ROM, so I'm screwed unless I can find some other means to get the CD/ISO.

So again, if there is ANY way to either a) download a "clean" OEM (NOT the hacked/corporate versions flying around bittorrent) ISO of the XP install CD, or b) obtain a physical copy without actually spending $130 for the CD and license that I don't even need, please let me know.

This is a harsh reminder of why I chose self-building my desktops and purchasing a physical copy of XP before college.

 

[JmsAndrsn]

PM sent. LMK if I can help.

 

[Shawn]

Any OEM version of XP Pro will work. However if you don't use a Dell version you will have to activate it and you will need to call because it won't activate online. It's not that big a deal though, just tell them that you are reinstalling factory software and they will give you the key to activate it. I have done this twice now with 2 dell laptops.

 

[John]

This is the primary reason that you pay the $10 (or w/e they charge now) for the OS cd, or politely request it within 30 days after you have already purchased the system. As Shawn pointed out any OEM XP Pro will suffice.

 

[pcgeek11]

Like a dumb@ss the Dell CD that I received with my I5100 Laptop had gotten broken ( Somebody Sat on it ). I have a valid license with the laptop so I searched the bit torrents and found an ISO Image of a Dell Windows XP Pro. Installed it and no activation is required as it checks the BIOS if they are Dell it is preactivated.

Just to check the CD I used it to install XP Pro on a HP desktop and it installed fine but required activation, so I used RockXP, Changed the CDKey to the HP key then activated online... Don't quit looking the Dell ISO is out there, No it isn't pirating if you have the license.

They refuse to even sell you a copy? That is just wrong. Even HP will sell you the restore disk.

pcgeek11

 

[RebateMonger]

Dell XP recovery CDs (often XP Professional) are also available on eBay. Microsoft doesn't like them being sold, and the auctions are frequently pulled, but if you do a fast "Buy it Now", you can get often buy them for $15 or so.