I'm trying to fix a different computer here, one that already has WinXP Home on it, but it was preinstalled by Dell, so we don't have the WinXP CD. However...it has a legit XP key on it, so I'm wondering...would I be able to use my copy of WinXP (the actual CD) to install it, and then just use the key on this computer to activate it? Help appreciated
yeah but make sure you write it down. the computer is actually registered with that key, so you aren't even doing anything illegal, unlike some certain friend of mine that used the key on my mother's computer to install winxp on theirs.
What are you trying to do; install xp home or pro? If you're trying to reinstall Home, then yeah, you're fine. But I'm not so sure about Pro, as using a Home key for Pro...I doubt that works.
you could just get a keygen. or use someone else's. but regardless, the disk you have should have come with its own key somewhere.
Home. A guy in my class pooched his system and now he wants me to fix it...it's a Dell, and it came with those shitty recovery CDs, those are useless...but I have a disk for XP Home, and I'm thinking of just using that to install, then using the key that's sticker-ed on the side of his tower...of course, without MS saying it's a pirated copy, cause it wouldn't be <_<
Yeah, just completely wipe down the system with a full format, extract the key from system first though. I don't think that the CD will deny the key, otherwise if it does, just get a keygen, then when you finish the install, change the key. Google'll help you out.
Especially when Microsoft busts a cap in your ass. <_< When I mentioned Google, I was talking about looking for a guide on how to change the key, not to find a keygen.
Heh, I used a keygen and I can download automatic updates and all... But yeah Dell's recovery crap is useless. Use an XP key recoverer on the dell if you can, or get ahold of the key and use it on a home install and it will be fine. Note: Home keys dont work for pro and vice versa.
Actually, I'm not so certain you'll be able to use the key that was on the computer. Generally big name manufactures like Dell have OEM keys packaged with their OSs that WILL NOT work will retail copies of the operating system. I've tried it on several machines and always had to get a new key (one way or another ). Anyways, just be prepared with another key.