Ok, so I've got 2 computers: a Dell desktop and a laptop. The laptop's gone screwy and I want to reinstall XP Home. But I can't find the install CD for the laptop, only the installation CD for the Dell.
The laptop has its own Certificate of Authicity with its own Product Code for XP Home, so could I use the Dell CD for installation but use the laptop's product key legally and without getting hard questions from M$ when I call in to activate?
Thanks,
-Ertai
i've had a friend try the same thing, the dell is an oem one so it doesnt ask to activate or for a key when installed on a dell, but it does if it isnt a dell, if xp cd's dont have a specific key (that means you can use any key with any cd) they you'll probably be fine i think.
If it's the same computer, usually Microsoft will recognize this, seeing that the activation code is specific to your computer's hardware, chipset, etc.
You shouldn't have a problem. If you do, call the number for telephone activation and they'll give you an activation code, more than likely.
Otherwise...there's always torrents........
LOL j/k, I do not condone this.
hmm I agree with Virstulte... except for the j/k... ohh wait i mean j/k... (not)... ohh damnit theres no way to say it without saying it.
I dont think they'll come and hunt you down, they've released vista now anyway, so XP isnt a priority and you bought it legititmately anyway (so no reason to feel guilty). The only annoyance is WGA (windows genuine advantage) a piece of spyware released by Microsoft to hound people with pirated copies of xp, but theres tons of ways to fix that.
@Levi: Microsoft says it ain't spyware 'cuz it's doing a good thing.
I guess I'll go ahead and try tommorrow. Thanks for the replies.
i don't know about wga, i let it do its thing once then disabled it, no need to keep checking, they already know the dell is legit
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