Is that Windows Experience feedback panel thing still going on? Where they monitor your computer for a few months and send bug reports and you get a free copy of vista ultimate? Although win 2000 Hardware is not likely to play freindly with vista, worth a shot though, legit, certified, ultimate, free. Worked for me and i didnt notice the feedback panel app taking up any CPU etc.

ivealwaysgotmail10

I used my wifes Vista Home dell disk that came with her laptop and loaded it into VMWare, and worked fine. I think in the old days this was true, but I've done this on work machines to get an OS up for a quick test and it worked fine.

holymogwai

@Technick: Blowtorch. Problem solved.

(Kidding.)

Comeaja

Since it's from one dell to another you're safe. My friend tryed using a dell disc on his brothers old 4 year old dell and it works. Just jot in the xp serial #, install, and you got smooth sailing from there. Just try it. It will probably work.

CUBSWILLWIN

This absolutely can be done. I have had a Compaq OEM XP CD that I have used for multiple installs. The trick is not the disk, but having a valid CD Key. As long as you have that, XP will complete a fresh install, and then contact Windows update to download drivers specific to your hardware.

pvaras

Ah, ok--thanks for the comments, everyone. I don't have two Dell PC's to test this out with here, but I'll update the post.

Gina Trapani

Just reinstalled windows xp home on my in-laws computer, using an OEM XP I downloaded as they lost their original restore CD. Worked fine with the CD Key on the side of the computer, just had to phone in for activation.

TheTick

It is uncommon, but sometimes a vendor will have a special OEM installation disk that will only work on their machines (Dell, HP for example.) Usually though, an OEM CD is different only in the fact that it wil only work with an OEM license key.

Therefore, if you installed XP on your computer using a retail copy that you purchased in a store, you can only reinstall your OS using a retail CD. If you bought your computer with the OS pre-installed by the manufacturer then your OEM license is on a sticker somewhere on the case and you can only reinstall your OS with an OEM CD.

With a normal OEM copy it doesn't look for a specific motherboard during the installation process, it appears to only watches for changes after it's been activated.

kyanos

This absolutely can be done, so long as the new computer is Dell as well. I've done it plenty of times. However, you'll need a valid XP key for the install.

Kyle Slattery

It will work , you may need to look for drivers but no biggie

jonthomasdesigns

@ gina: Generally, the CD boots, then checks for a specific key in the BIOS or piece of hardware on the motherboard before continuing the install.

unbwogable

My experience is that Dell WinXP install CDs work with other Dell computers, but not with other companies' computers.

Since it is Dell to Dell, you are probably safe.

jharris0221

YES! It can be done. You may have to download th drivers seperately but it can be done. I've one it before.

bufftbone

I've recently tried to use a Dell Windows XP disc to install on another, non-Dell, PC, and it would not install because it was not a Dell.

It popped up and told me so upon booting from the CD.

smcallah

@Technick: My question is, HOW is it tied to the motherboard exactly? Does it phone home? I know you can buy OEM discs, so where does the motherboard<-->disc association happen?

Gina Trapani

I used to work for a Microsoft Partner and the Microsoft Rep told me that the OEM License is tied to the motherboard though it can be transfered to a new Motherboard under one condition; Hardware Failure. Hardware Failure is outside of the consumers control therefor Microsoft must transfer the license of face legal issues.

Technick

I do this all the time. Before you begin, look on the Windows XP computer for the cd key. It's a shiny sticker that has a code on it, something like xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx. Jot that down, and use it to install XP on your new PC. Problem solved.

CK76

another vote for nlite here. it pulls all the files off the cd one would need to install cleanly on a new machine. I can't however vouch for its legality.

jeepngeek

I can tell you for a fact that at least the Dell OEM disks only check the bios to make sure its a Dell computer. As long as its dell to dell you're fine. It wont even ask for a serial...

iameleveneight

At a previous job, we'd purchased 8 computers and 4 copies of XP. The boss tasked me with doing the installs -- I just called Microsoft and explained what happened. The chap on the other end was able to sort the problem. No further questions asked.

Prolific Programmer

I installed Windows XP onto an _HP_ laptop using the license key from a _Toshiba_! The Toshiba was dead, but paid for, so why not! However, I did not use an OEM disk that came with either laptop. I used a friend's OEM disk (pretty, laser-printed, shiny thing).

To do it you have to:
-Install XP on the new machine and try the online activation, which will fail.
-Then choose to activate by phone.
-Call the number you're given. It is an automated line.
-Answer the questions as if you're just reinstalling on the original hardware BUT say "yes" when you're asked if you've changed out a major part.
-When you're ask if you had a motherboard failure say "yes"!
-The automated system (which works surprisingly well on the voice recognition) will give you a new registration number that you key into the form on your screen.
-Done! Takes 5 minutes...

glthornberry

I agree with everyone about calling in a HD crash to be able to activate their copy of XP onto another computer, but an interesting thing happened to me recently. I bought XP a couple years ago, installed it onto two of my PCs. Needless to say, Microsoft wouldn't allow the second install, so I wiped the drive and went back to 98 (sad, but true). Well, a couple months ago, I dug out the old computer (thinking about a torrent machine, thanks to LH), and thought I'd try installing XP again, and it went w/o a hitch. I wonder, if after a certain period of time, you are able to dump it onto another machine w/o calling Microsoft (1 year, perhaps?).

1ciderguy

what about using a Dell or Gateways XP install disks for use on a Mac's bootcamp partition? will that work???

Molly O'Poverty

I have done Dell to Dell, just had to call MS to get new Activation code, first guy freaked out when I told him what I was doing, second guy just gave it to me. I had just lost the CD to second Dell so I installed it on there and applied the original software key to the current installation.

xamarshahx

Windows is Windows. You can download any drivers off the net and just install the OS.

elgilicious

@thunder7: And that's one of the best arguments for open source I can think of: nobody telling you what you can or can't do with your computer.

HeartBurnKid

It can be done and I do it all the time. I have one XP Professional DELL OEM disk I use to install software on dell and non-dell machines. The issue only lies for the cd-key. I have licenses for any of the machines I install on - but I just simply use the DELL XP Pro installation media with my other keys. As long as you use seperate keys the 'hardware' doesnt matter; atleast in my experience.

drkat

I paid for Windows 95, 98,98SE, and (I really paid for Windows 'Many Errors' ME) And when I bought my new PC from NewEgg.com I bought a OEM of Windows XP Pro.

And When my brand new WD 'RAPTOR' 74GB failed and we had to send it back to Western Digital.

XP Pro Phoned home when we went to re install, took like 5 minutes.

What I do not understand though,...
"when we buy cell phones,car's,stereo's,TV's,Space Heater's, Telephones etc.

They are 'ours' we paid for them, with our money $$$.
Yet no-one tells us what we can or can not do with what we bought.

If I (had money to burn) buy a brand new car and give it to a friend for $10.00 it is mine too give away!.

However if you buy a Micro$oft CD, they tell you what you can or can not do with it!.

That would be just like buying a brand new car, then the dealership telling 'who can and whom can not ride in the car or truck you just bought!.

We would (A) Never buy there again!. They would go out of business.
(B) We would sue them.

So why do we put up with this now?.

hmmm,...interesting,...hmmm

Just pondering,...

thunder7

The Dell Disk shown in the picture will absolutely, 100% work in the manner you are asking about. I have a Dell laptop that has had the motherboard replaced 3 separate times (over the course of 4 years, but it still doesn't say much for this model laptop). I reformat it every 6-8 months and I have never had to get a replacement CD; I just use the same one. Also, I had XP on an older Dell laptop, so when it died, I used that Dell Windows CD to load XP onto a Desktop computer. So, it will definitely work.

inabinet

Hmmmm . . . reading all of those comments confuse me. Most of us in this isolated community use xpisobuilder3 to turn any recovery disk into a "real" installation disk. The process is quite simple and now with SP3 out and the ability to slipstream that package into the .iso which is then burned to a disk life is much easier for us. May be interested in the German site--mostly German, but the program comes in English. Enjoy!

[www.winfuture.de]

rainbowsky

I've definitely used my Dell OEM Windows XP to reinstall on some of my Dell laptops, and one of the laptop CDs for other Dell branded laptops.

kobewan

If you do decide to go ahead and buy a new copy of XP consider trying to get your hands on a volume license (VLK) copy. A good place to do this is at a college campus. If you have a family member that is in school, or if you yourself are a student this is a great option. The cost for students is much less than retail, and with a volume license the whole one serial number per machine BS goes out the window.

Lantesh

PEOPLE: Dell install discs like the one pictured in the post WILL WORK ON ANY PC. It's simply a Windows CD with a Dell logo on it. Now, "recovery" discs are a different story. Those ones check the board to see if it's a Dell machine, and won't work.

CK76

@KJones: This pretty much applies to OEM software from the computer manufacturer. I've had no trouble installing a full version I've bought to a new machine. As long as the OS isn't on two machines at the same time, you're fine.

quail

I have had to do this sort of thing at least 50 times. It can work, but it's a pain.

Still using Windows? Why? Slow, long in the tooth, and not really cheap. I'm done with it, expect for my work - and that too, in a short while.

bradpdx

I've had a different problem but along the same lines. I have a Compaq laptop running XP professional. With Compaq's crappy backup discs my only options when there's a problem is to do a complete reinstall, losing all documents; or do an OS reinstall, losing all programs I loaded on after the fact. In the end I wind up with a machine full of crapware.

I do have another PC running XP Pro (a full copy I bought) and I wanted to just use that installation CD to do a fix & repair on the Compaq. This was something I thought I could do, because I've done it with other machines. But with the Compaq there's a screen that comes up telling me I don't have rights to do it and to enter my passkey if I wish to proceed. Does anyone know a way around this? Or should I get a new Windows OS and do a clean install, scrapping all that Compaq came with?

quail

I have a Dell laptop and a desktop that I made myself. My Windows XP Professional disc for my desktop cracked outward from the center hole. So I used the OEM Dell Windows XP Home edition disc from my laptop and installed it on my desktop after I had to reformat my HD. It asks for the code on the Microsoft sticker on the bottom of the laptop. When I enter that, it gives me a new validation code to register Windows. But this is all after I completely install it, I waited a couple of weeks to do it even. I don't have it on my laptop though, so I never registered it with the laptop. The laptop still has a good version of the old Windows XP Professional. So my OEM disc isn't tied into my Dell laptop motherboard. But maybe someone else's circumstance might be different.

MrBill38

Most anything that fails to activate can be handled with a phone call to Microsoft. You just tell them the situation, that it was a 'hardware failure' so you purchased a new machine and want to install your existing OS. They will rattle off a code for you to manually activate.

Daniel-Bham

People pay for the software and are not allowed to move it from PC to PC? That is as Down Right Moronic (DRM) as DRM.

First, the user paid for it and it belongs to the user. Microshaft shouldn't be selling it if they are not selling it. Bill Gates can eat sphincter if he doesn't like it.

Second, this is a case of "spirit of the law versus the letter of the law". The user paid for one copy, and as long as the user is using the OS disk on only one machine, it does not violate the agreement. The user paid for the copy being used, so there is no ethical violation.

Tying software to hardware is not about "anti-piracy". It's about gouging customers.

KJones

Since they're both Dells, this MAY work -- emphasis on MAY. Just make sure you've got the Product Key; as other have said, there should be a sticker on the machine that came with XP, with this printed on it.

If you can't get it to work (or if you can and it's slow as molasses), why not try Ubuntu? :)

HeartBurnKid

@dman0586: I use my gateway vista dvd like that because the HP one comes with all sorts of crap but the Gateway one doesn't. The most you'll have to do is download drivers for your system from the manufacturer's website first(If you don't have internet access on another computer do that BEFORE you reformat)

Ajh

Most oem will work with the computer if you have a key for it already I know...Like I downloaded an oem copy of XP Media Center to reformat my laptop..I just changed the key in it for my legal copy's key. This also worked for vista. However...I don't know if you can use the key on another computer..but probably. If not you can buy unbranded oem cheaper than retail versions(you do NOT get support services with OEM or instructions ..which is the biggest difference)

Ajh

"If it doesn't work, your only option may be to pony up for a retail copy of Windows XP in order to transform your Windows 2000 PC. Maybe Win 2k doesn't look so bad after all?"

Might want to take the time to make that decision fast.

Papa Midnight

I've done it just fine. I used my neighbor's Windows XP Disc for Dell (Home Edition :S) to install Windows XP on a Premio PC. Entirely different brands.

Papa Midnight

Or try Ubuntu ;-)

I think my family once successfully upgraded Win98 to WinXP using a different OEM CD. Both were Dell.

Andrew Min

I have another question: A few years back I was in a bind and needed a computer. So I bought a cheap emachines desktop. With Emachines, you create a system recovery disk from a separate disk partition on the hard drive. You use this when you re-format. Unfortunately, it adds the bull crap like aol and msn messenger and junk anyways. Can I use this disc to do a clean install on windows somehow. And can I use this to do an install on another computer? Or is this illegal?

dman0586

When I worked at Dell, I had ready access to plenty of OEM installation CDs. On a whim, I slapped XP Media Center on my 3-year-old laptop. It installed fine and I used the supplied CD key.

However, I was never able to update anything. YMMV. I don't see the harm in trying, though. Good luck.

luckybob343

With HP for certain, the restore disks they send you are based on a volume license key but the sticker on your machine theoretically will work as well(or it does after you call Microsoft for activation and they enter it into their database).

If you find yourself in a situation where you have the same copy of Windows installed on more than one machine, and the machines are on a domain, you should run the NewSID utility(originally from sysinternals.com but is now a Microsoft utility):
[technet.microsoft.com]

Oh and if you can't get Windows installed, I suggest you give Linux a try. Checkout distrowatch.com for more information.

Shannon_VanWagner

The program to get your installation key is called "Magic Jelly Bean KeyFinder":

Get it here:
[www.magicaljellybean.com]

You could also Google Digg - put this in the search field:
Show Windows Key site:digg.com

Shannon_VanWagner

It ist possible to un-OEM a XP-CD.
You only need the I386 Folder from the CD or the recovery-partition and this programm:
[www.heise.de]
It's from a german computer magazine.

"Installationsdateien" means the source folder (i386-folder)
"Zielordner" means the destination folder (here it puts the iso-file)

"OEM-Dateien mit SP-Dateien überschreiben" overwrites the OEM data with the data from the service pack. (i.e Dell logo in "System")

Best regards
Thomas

kronawth

What if you don't have restore disks and instead you have the "restore partition" that is more common these days?

Here's the answer: Call tech support for the company(i.e., Dell, HP, etc.) and tell them that your motherboard has failed and so you don't have the "restore partition" and that you want them to send you the restore disks. They will do this so long as you don't take "NO" for an answer.

I've found that this works even after your PC is out of warranty (tested with Dell).

As for the install disk being locked to the BIOS of the motherboard, I have found this to be true for most mfgrs but it does vary, usually depends on how old your installation media is (Oh and with Sony you're not going to be using your install disk on any other model for sure!).

Shannon_VanWagner

I have work for dell for about a year and half in the past. I do alot of repairs where i work now on dell machines. I have used the same dell xp sp2 disk on every dell i have ever had to reinstall xp on no matter what model it is and it works every time. Best thing about that is it doesn't ask for your product key. So to answer that guys question in this article yes you can use that xp cd on your windows 2000 dell.

dethalis

I cannot find the program now, and I am having brain fade, but there is a program that shows you all keys and hardware. The freeware version works fine.
Someone help me with the name.
Get that program. Run it on the old computer, get the CD key. Compare to key on disk. Some OEM's may have a mass install key, and then the key they give you for the disk.
Once you have the key, get a generic OEM disk.
Install as normal.
Call MS if needed and inform them the old motherboard is broken (your cat knocked it over and the ps2 ports broke)
So this is a replacement.
Enjoy.

btgoss

I have done exactly this, more times than I can count. Coincedentally, it was done most times with a Dell-branded XP CD. I have also done it with Gateway-branded XP re-install discs. The BIOS is critical, though - I have tried this on older PC's and had the install bomb.

ElvisFrisbee

Contrary to what a lot of the previous poster's experience, I HAVE used a Dell OEM disc on a different manufacturer's PC. Windows installed without issue, but just wouldn't activate.

I should add that there are *ways* around this if you care to google it.

Or, as some of the others have suggested, you could call Microsoft to see about getting it activated (haven't tried that method myself).

Using an OEM disc from one Dell machine to another shouldn't be a problem at all.

I've done it numerous times.

sanks

I finally registered just to post this (after lurking for years..) -

What you want to do WILL work - IF when the w2k machine was purchased you could've gotten XP on it.

The Dell CD's check the make sure it's a Dell mobo - I'm a network admin for a ~200 user company, and have had extensive experience dealing with the Dell OEM CD's. Generally they will work in any dell as long as that dell could've been ordered with xp rather than 2k.

That being said - it violates MS licensing to do what you want to do... but imo it shouldn't.

Also, they can be finicky if the key on the machine doesn't match the service pack that is on the CD... again, sometimes it works.. sometimes it doesn't.

If it doesn't activate you'll have to call MS and basically lie - tell them you had to replace the vid card, sound card, and hdd... They'll activate it.

jacobm77

If it's just an XP disc, sure. When you activate, explain the hardware failure. But if it's a Dell restore disc that wants to partition the HDD and copy itself, it'll usually check the BIOS.

I used bundled XP discs all the time, the trick is to keep like copies with like and use that computer's key. I don't know about the EULA, but so long as I'm using the licensed software with its own key that was all legally obtained, it's kosher in my eyes.

Jarick

I have gotten this type of disc to install on a different system than the one it was originally intended to be used on. Generally you need a key, however I have had a Dell XP Home disc that did not require a key to activate. Aside from installing the OS on another dell, I've gotten it to install on a Toshiba using the dell disc. I still had to have the key, but it worked fine after that. But I'm thinking that Ubuntu is a lot cheaper, and if you don't have the key less hassle to mess with.

cha0s

Don't forget that even if you _can_ install from the other disk, the EULA probably does not permit it:
[what-is-what.com]

Go install Ubuntu instead.

dotancohen

Apparently there is a way to copy that dell XP cd over to your HD and edit a file or 2 and then it would work for any machine, even non dell. You still need a key, but apparently it does work.

radink360

Also read the key carefully, many older laptops with an xp key say on them that you can use the license for 1-2 machines usually a laptop and a desktop.

ohiosoundguy

HAHA Nice man, good to see that the Linux community is becoming so strong. I think we owe the growth of the Linux community to Bill Gates. Without all the Bull that Microsoft puts you through it just encourages me to use their products less.

On topic however, I have a few dell and hp cds which are a few years old. The dell cds install on any dell where the hp cds will install on anything. I loved that about hp till i recently bought my new hp with vista and the disc wont even let me install on the old hp machine it only allows for installation on the product line now and not manufacture. I think they are getting smart I guess.

P.S. Microsoft's anti-piracy bull just encourages me to torrent and look for alternative routes.

ohiosoundguy

Oh god...Did anyone TRY this? You most DEFINITELY can move the stupid license. You may have to phone in to M$ to do it, but there's an easy way to do it. We've done it dozens of times at our store when we get some old garbage Dell tower in that miraculously accepts a standard mAtx motherboard. One quick phone call and we're back up and running, legally. We've also been allowed to activate a so-called OEM license from a fuji Laptop on a desktop PC as well.

Dell licenses are about the only ones that ever cause any grief, but phone activation has always worked for us.

lmathews

@bann3d: hey i got my OS from a torrent too! except its Ubuntu 7.10 amd64. :P

boandmichele

I did it. Had a laptop that had Vista, and a desktop (both Dell) that had XP. The OS disk just had the OS on it, no special drivers. I did have do D/L a couple of drivers, but it worked.

fredramsey

I have used an OEM cd to install Windows XP on a completely different motherboard, and it works fine.

nazgul42

It really depends on how the maker of the computer did it. For example I have a couple dell latitude laptops whose cd's will install xp on anything from a vmware guest to a home built system, but I've had other OEM cd's that looked for something in hardware and refused to install or restore cd's which were an image specific to a model or two.

While its technically possibly, its not legal though. The OEM install of windows is only legal on the original pc it was shipped with. Now when I was working for a shop that was building pc's Microsoft allowed the same of an OEM copy with a mainboard, hard disk or case. So I always questioned then, f someone bought an OEM copy with a drive then reaplced everything in that system but the drive then the drive failed if the license still legaly bound to the drive? The whole upgrade path was just too confusing license wise. I switched to open source about 4 years ago and haven't looked back.

enine

In case the old PC on which the OEM version of XP is installed still works, and you want to turn the recovery CD into a "normal" XP CD, there's a program (in German) that promises to do just that:
[www.heise.de]
I have tried it once and it allowed me to re-install XP on the same PC using a standard Windows install (from scratch) instead of using the recovery CD to restore the PC tho the state it was when I bought it. No idea if this allows you to install to a different PC though.

arbatax

My company buys Dell PCs/Laptops for everyone, which come with OEM versions of XP.

When I told I need a copy so that I can VPN and work from home. They gave me one of the CDs (though not they key; I was asked to get a crack or something :-o).

No key generator I used would be accepted. I threw it after 30 days and installed my own copy.

PS: I used VirtualBox on Ubuntu to do this :-)

lvshankar

I've use Dell disks to reinstall windows on a Sony computer 3 or 4 times now, never had any problems.

Try it and see?

trstn

Not sure if this will work but just reinstall on the computer that it came with then create a bootable image and burn it to a DVD

dmtofree

Yayyyy for torrents.

skilled1

When Ars says "tied to the motherboard" they mean the license key is tied to the motherboard. There's nothing on the OEM disc that ties it to the specific computer or motherboard--the discs are all identical. This means you can use it to install XP on another computer, but you'd have to use a different license key.

So to clarify, the key license key stuck to his old computer CANNOT be used to install Windows on another computer and he must pony up some cash for a new license of Windows (i.e. pony up some cash for another copy).

James Lao

@Gina Trapani: I believe it associates the mobo and other characteristics of key components of the computer when you activate the os online with Microsoft. That generates a fingerprint of sorts that distinguishes your pc from others thereby associating the license key you entered with your computer's particular fingerprint.

clickcookplay

I have an HP desktop and two years ago I did a fresh reinstall of XP and all of my programs. I didn't have a XP cd so I used the Dell OEM XP cd that came with my sisters computer. I entered the license key on the side of my machine when asked and it worked perfectly.

clickcookplay

maybe wink2 doesn't look so bad? Have you had to use it lately? Most newer software doesn't support it. It's on 100+ computers at school, and it's a constant struggle to find the versions we need of popular software.

It's a true pain in the nether regions and I would figure out how to ditch it soon as possible.

karlawithak

Does this mean that I can't transfer my OS and settings to my Macbook (via Parallel Visions)?

foodfreak

This works. I have Dells at my work and I used a single copy of Dell's OEM XP Pro SP2 cd on 60+. No problems what so ever.

daviduyan

Yeah Ive done it with Gateway CD's. The problem maybe is just the activation...but if you have a Legit serial for a retail CD and you only have a OEM laying around why not change the OEM to Retail cd by changing the setupp.ini?

Just make a iso of the cd. Open it in a iso editor or unzip it. then open it and look for setupp.ini. On the bottom of the file should look like
ExtraData=707A667567736F696F697911AE7E05
Pid=51882OEM

and change the pid to
Pid=51882335

just a though if you want to, but eh up to you.. but the thing is you still need to activate...

Midget Man

I hate HP... I need to use their Recovery Drives since their Discs should be "less effective." So yeah, it's tied to this laptop.

ph15h

This is very simple really. I am an IT professional and we use primarily Dell workstations.

A Dell OEM Windows XP CD will install onto a Dell system without a problem. These disks are pre-activated as long as it can find the Dell BIOS. This is done for many of the major manufacturers, primarily to save the end user the hassle of a regular install.
i.e. No need to activate.

Well, what about the serial number on the side of the computer you say. This is added as a formality, as part of the license agreement with MS. These are legitimate keys, they are just disabled for activation. You can get around this, but to use this number you must call MS to activate and the reason provided is that you are restoring the computer on a (place your computer manufacturer here).

Also, according to the license agreement for OEM windows, is that the OS is non-transferable. This does mean that by doing this you are breaking said agreement.

nerk69

I think that with XP, MS didn't allow oem people to edit the windows disk-- that is why machines usually shipped with a separate disk full of drivers and crap ware. (With 98, etc, they could actually change the installer, etc. Correct me if i'm wrong.) I have installed XP from dell oem disks on many non-dell computers, and it works without a hiccup. I dunno, just my two cents...

bryan139

The way IBM used to do it, they would setup the disk to install EVERYTHING that came pre-installed, but the zip files were passworded, and the recovery executable would unpassword the files and extract them to the right locations via pkunzip. If the disc wasn't in an IBM, possibly more specific to a certain model number it would refuse to run any further than booting. Most likely Dell does this about the same way, so most likely there would be a way to get the actual data off of the disc and make it work, but it wouldn't be easy. As far as the registration keys go, I'm not exactly sure, but I think they are separated by versions, both OEM and retail, also SP1, SP2, etc. etc, and even possibly by manufacturer from time to time. Though keep in mind thats only what it seems like from my own personal experiences.

There is ALWAYS a way to get something to work, its just would you rather spend $100 in time or money?

imxres

Having worked Canadian Corporate Tech for Dell Canada for more than two years, I have a bit of experience with this sort of thing.

@kancept, just a correction to your comment. It's the Service Tag that the media is looking for in the bios, not the Express Service Code. While interchangeable within the system for tracking in a "serial number" say, the Service Tag is only 7 digits (5 for pre2000 systems).

So the way it works it that the only real difference between the retail copy and the Dell media is that Service Tag checker. When the portion of the installation comes up to prompt you for the Product Key, the utility checks the Bios and if present will automatically generate the product key and all is good. In the event the Service Tag isn't there, you'll get the prompt.

Now why wouldn't it be in the bios? Typically this happens after a motherboard replacement because the onsite tech hadn't imputed it. If this is the case, track down the asset.com utility and boot to a dos prompt and run it. Certain Drivers and Utilities cds will also have the utility and can be booted from, once the first menu comes up you can exit to a dos prompt and surf to the right directory and run. Also, newer systems (as of the last year) for the most part have the option to have a "one time" Service Tag set option from in the bios under the Maintenance section.

As for the product key, as far as we're ever told it's just a proof of purchase sticker. However, I've found it to be hit or miss if it works when randomly prompted because of various other reasons. One such occasion is if you do a parallel install.

Legally the operating system shipped with the system is only intended to be installed on that system. Technically speaking, posible.

As a side note, I'm being laid off with the rest of my office next friday. Oh well.

Garry233

I actually have gotten a Dell OEM disk installed with Boot Camp on an iMac (One of the first Intel Generations).
the main key for that was to make sure it is a SP2 XP install disk. But yes it worked, and the key installed fine.

onlooker

Having worked Canadian Corporate Tech for Dell Canada for more than two years, I have a bit of experience with this sort of thing.

@kancept, just a correction to your comment. It's the Service Tag that the media is looking for in the bios, not the Express Service Code. While interchangeable within the system for tracking in a "serial number" say, the Service Tag is only 7 digits (5 for pre2000 systems).

So the way it works it that the only real difference between the retail copy and the Dell media is that Service Tag checker. When the portion of the installation comes up to prompt you for the Product Key, the utility checks the Bios and if present will automatically generate the product key and all is good. In the event the Service Tag isn't there, you'll get the prompt.

Now why wouldn't it be in the bios? Typically this happens after a motherboard replacement because the onsite tech hadn't imputed it. If this is the case, track down the asset.com utility and boot to a dos prompt and run it. Certain Drivers and Utilities cds will also have the utility and can be booted from, once the first menu comes up you can exit to a dos prompt and surf to the right directory and run. Also, newer systems (as of the last year) for the most part have the option to have a "one time" Service Tag set option from in the bios under the Maintenance section.

As for the product key, as far as we're ever told it's just a proof of purchase sticker. However, I've found it to be hit or miss if it works when randomly prompted because of various other reasons. One such occasion is if you do a parallel install.

Legally the operating system shipped with the system is only intended to be installed on that system. Technically speaking, posible.

As a side note, I'm being laid off with the rest of my office next friday. Oh well.

Garry233

Having worked Canadian Corporate Tech for Dell Canada for more than two years, I have a bit of experience with this sort of thing.

@kancept, just a correction to your comment. It's the Service Tag that the media is looking for in the bios, not the Express Service Code. While interchangeable within the system for tracking in a "serial number" say, the Service Tag is only 7 digits (5 for pre2000 systems).

So the way it works it that the only real difference between the retail copy and the Dell media is that Service Tag checker. When the portion of the installation comes up to prompt you for the Product Key, the utility checks the Bios and if present will automatically generate the product key and all is good. In the event the Service Tag isn't there, you'll get the prompt.

Now why wouldn't it be in the bios? Typically this happens after a motherboard replacement because the onsite tech hadn't imputed it. If this is the case, track down the asset.com utility and boot to a dos prompt and run it. Certain Drivers and Utilities cds will also have the utility and can be booted from, once the first menu comes up you can exit to a dos prompt and surf to the right directory and run. Also, newer systems (as of the last year) for the most part have the option to have a "one time" Service Tag set option from in the bios under the Maintenance section.

As for the product key, as far as we're ever told it's just a proof of purchase sticker. However, I've found it to be hit or miss if it works when randomly prompted because of various other reasons. One such occasion is if you do a parallel install.

As a side note, I'm being laid off with the rest of my office next friday. Oh well.

Garry233

There are two issues: will the CD work, and is it legal?

Will the CD work? As mentioned many times above, an OEM CD may check to see if it's installing on hardware from that manufacturer, but the CD doesn't look for a unique machine, so a CD from (e.g.) Dell will install on any Dell computer.

Is it legal? Yes, if you're re-installing the same OS product as was installed on the machine when it shipped. You would use the license key from the sticker on the case of the re-installed machine, and no other.

Worst outcome is that you'll need to manually activate the OS over the phone, which is tedious and often limited by the language skills on the other end of the phone, but I've done it many times and never really been challenged about why I'm installing the OS for the umpteenth time on the same machine.

darsal

can it be done, yes

legally... sadly no

OEM Licenses are non-transferable due to the fact that they cost significantly less, if they were as transferable as a retail copy, why would anyone buy at retail prices?

retail = transferable
OEM = not

create

Always worked for me as long as I didn't use the key from the OEM disc on other computers.

Jenkinsm

Haven't read through all the comments but i've done it, i have a Dell OEM disk nearly identical to that and I've used it on other computers, granted i modified an ISO of it with nlite, but i used the disk and the serial on another computer since I now use that laptop exclusively with Ubuntu and it works fine on the other PC, even WGA.

AnthoMacP

@kancept a correction to your explanation. It's actually the Service Tag that found in the BIOS. But yes, that's what the OEM Dell media is going to be looking for. Regardless whether it's the Win2K, XP or Vista media it will look for that Service Tag and once detected, produce the product key and move on without prompt. That's why it's the first thing most techs should be checking when you're trying to install with Dell media and it requests a product key. Often times after having had a motherboard replacement you'll find this to be the case. From time to time the onsite tech will forget to use the asset.com utility to set the tag. With newer systems (as of the last year or so) they've allowed a onetime setting of the Service Tag from inside the bios through the Maintenance section. Once set it's only able to be changed through the asset.com utility. As for the product key that's found along the side of the system. There's a bit of a hit or miss from what I've found. For the most part it simply acts as a proof of purchase for the operating system. Other times if you've done a parallel install for whatever reason it'll prompt you for the product key and again hit or miss whether or not it will work.

*two years working Canadian Corporate Dell Tech, ending next friday with the closure of our center. Layoff's definately interesting.

Garry233

If you just stick with Windows 2000, you won't have to worry about whether Mr. Bill will let you re-use the disk.

infmom

I meant *it worked like magic.

justizin

I have the exact same Dell XP OEM restore disc and I installed it to a Dell Laptop that I had and I worked like magic.

justizin

@Gina Trapani: In our experience with tons of Dell equipment, their OEM XP re-installation CD's work in any Dell computer, well, every Dell computer we've tried them on, even Dell's that originally came loaded with Windows 2000. They don't need a CD key when they see a Dell BIOS, and they don't phone home or require activation. IE, the activation is immediate, AKA the same as if you had purchased an XP Volume License. Now one thing I've never tried though, and that's try and install on a Dell computer that was purchased preloaded with Linux. Not sure if the BIOS is flagged as to weather Windows (any version?) was originally purchased.

mavantix

This got me thinking about how many hours I have spent dicking around on microsoft-based issues such as this over the years........
You think it would be cool if I sent them an invoice charging them for all this time?

bikermancam

From all of my experience it will work, as most of the commenters have said. I've used a Latitude D510 XP SP2 OEM disk on my Latitude D620 and an XPS desktop XP SP2 disk on my Latitude D830 and had it work both times without the need for activation. I've replaced dozens of motherboards at my school, and on machines with the same hard drive all I've had to do is run the service tag utility off of the Dell Utilities disk (incidentally, a 3-4 year old one) to set a new service tag for the motherboard without any need for Windows activation. When I had an issue with a new Windows installation on a formatted hdd with a new motherboard, Dell themselves (Dell Government and Education that is) gave me a new XP license code.

Basically, the disk *should* work to install Windows on the old machine. You will have activation issues, it will almost definitely want a new activation code, but if you tell Microsoft that the motherboard on your out of warranty Dell failed they'll give you a new, working, activation key. Morally I think you're on firm ground, legally, not so much.

Alex Brewer

I've been using the same OEM Dell Windows XP Home (pre SP1) disc on the computer that I built from scratch for years. It's worked every single time with all the hardware. The only thing I have to do is install the drivers for the motherboard and keep windows up to date.
I have tried nLite on the OEM disc and apparently there are files that aren't on the OEM disc to make an nLite version. Odd, and rather annoying. I'd be so much easier to have an up to date install disc.

bigwhitebear18

@Gina Trapani: actually, if I recall right, you can use freeware program nLite (a program so nicely detalied on this site I believe) to take off that OEM branding crap. It may or may not work, I dunno.
Not having an OEM cd to work with, I couldn't say. I'll see what I can dig up...

TheSohnly

I can confirm with 100% certainty that if you are me this works. I just installed an OEM version of XP SP2 from Dell (Purple like picture) on my 20" Intel iMac thru Boot camp. I used the serial number off of the laptop that the disc came with.

Yay!

Myles

This isn't completely true, If you have another windows xp disk you can use the xp key from your dell to install it on a different computer. I did this when an old computer got jolted by lightning and had to set up a new one, after 5 minutes on the phone with Microsoft I got my xp machine running.

Swizzler121

Another possibility would be to download an illegal copy just to get it loaded, and then use a serial changer program post install to input your legal serial number.

However like some others have said I don't think you will have any issues.

Lantesh

sometimes you need to update the motherboard bios before installing with the OEM CD from the same , but the cd work just fine, and i don't even need to enter the winxp key

yncn

Dell OEM cd's will work on any other Dell.
Not sure about Vista. But I've installed XP from a new XPS system on an old p3 workstation.

Done it on laptops, desktops and workstations. As long as it's a Dell it'll work.

Never had to input the Key on any of the installs.

Shrikester

I have used a Dell CD and a non-branded OEM CD to make a copy and modify some files to make XP available for an external drive. I just used my Dell key on my laptop and then did phone activation saying I was installing to a new hard drive. Worked for both discs.

easy peasy :D

evan_phi

I have a friend who used the Vista Home Premium CD that came with his new Dell laptop to upgrade the other two Windows XP computers he had, no problems at all with compatibility, except for some driver availability. They were all Dells, though, and I'm certain the legality of this action is VERY questionable. He's never had a problem with upgrades, and because it's an OEM CD, it does not require you to input a license key.

limitedmage

I have been able to place a dell xp disk into an acer laptop to reformat, and place xp on the machine. it can be done as long as you have the product key.

Mikhaylovichs

The software key on the sticker may not always work to activate a re-install, depending on when the key was issued. There are apparently some types of bulk OEM license key families that don't activate if you use them, and if you really want to know why you can search the MS website for the info.

You CAN install the software, however, but it will hang at activation and force you to spend 9 minutes on the phone with the MS computer system to get another activation code.

I've had about 50% of the Dell systems I work on fail to activate with a fresh reinstall, and I've noticed that neither the installed license key nor the sticker will work at activation (though both will install the OS.)

There are also a few different types of Dell CD's, too, from what I've seen. Some of the older versions seem to be tied to hardware, using the pre-loaded drivers and answer file built for a specific group of systems.

It's never a problem after the phone call.

pdok

I have used Dell CDs to install on other computers and all the times that I have used one there isn't even activation. Even if you have to call to have it activated you call enter in the id you have a 50/50 shot of that working if it doesn't you get transfered to somebody in India who will ask why your reinstalling and you tell them b/c it crashed it broke or what ever I have never had a problem (had to call plenty of times)

JohnnyP

Dell discs can generally be used on any Dell machine. IBM discs sometimes lock it to particular models of their machines (like win2k for a T21 only working on other T21s). Dunno about HP and CompaQ discs.

The way the Dell ones work by talking to the BIOS, where the machine has the express service code to see if it's a Dell. Some Dells even have the OEM key in BIOS, and you usually don't have to enter the code. I remember Dell's BIOS being almost 8MB when most others on the market were at 2MB.

*I used to work for Dell and IBM's tech centers

kancept

Just to chime in my two cents:

I've been successfully running Win XP via bootcamp on my macbook for the past 3 or 4 months using the OEM disc that came with my Dell laptop from two years ago.

It just asked me for the S/N when I installed (found on the underside of my dell) and then to check if I had a valid copy of Windows. Passed the test for both.

Weird.

greenlingers

@Gina Trapani: I don't know about Boot Camp, but I've definitely installed XP Pro from a Dell OEM disc with a Dell OEM key in VMWare and VirtualBox, and both activated without issue.

Joe

Or you can sever the tyranacle tentacle that is windows and give linux a try, on a older machine it will perform much faster than XP and the price is right, 1 cdr costs less than 10 cents.

dagamant

Interestingly I have a Dell with OEM Windows XP Home AND a retail copy of XP Home. I do a clean install about once every six months (there are good reasons for this).

The OEM XP works every time -- no matter how much I change my hardware. One time I couldn't find the OEM copy and was in a hurry so I used the retail copy only to get a message telling me I had already used that licence(which I certainly hadn't).

What's going on there?

Billby

@jharris0221:

Actually, I've used a Dell rebuild disc on a wide variety of machines - the setup routine wasn't any different than that of a normal XP setup. However, I also have tried an HP rebuild disc on another type of machine, and it did NOT work - it wanted HP hardware.

maximillianx

@Gina Trapani:
Dell OEM CDs may not work on any hardware, but if you download/obtain a generic OEM CD, it will work on any hardware. Then it just comes down to having a valid, unactivated key.

Dell/other vendors often customize their disc so it only works on their hardware. Generic OEM CDs do not have any restrictions like this.

jwpeddle

I used to work for a PC repair company, I won't mention their name though... I'm not sure why to or why not to, but just in case ;-)

There are two different associations that happen. One is a physical association (LICENSE and valid sticker with number), and one is a virtual association (LICENSE NUMBER and Install of Windows on a machine with a certain set up.)

Microsoft told us that users could change anything inside the computer case that the sticker was affixed to as long as they did not try to physically transfer the sticker to another case. If you switch out a motherboard, Windows will more than likely ask you to reinstall.

However, to directly answer the question, you can use ANY Windows XP Home or ANY Windows XP Pro disc to reinstall Windows if you have an OEM license. (Just match an OEM disc of Home to a Home license, and an OEM disc of Pro to a Pro license.) The same goes for retail. You can use any disc, just as long as you use your own KEY.

You won't be able to use a BRANDED OEM disc (such as the Dell disc pictured) unless that disc is for your Dell.

(I took so long in writing this, I'm betting that other people will have already answered the question. Sorry if this is redundant information.)

lightmanx5

Just to clarify, I have ABSOLUTELY used the OEM key from the side of a DELL PC to install Windows XP Pro on NON-DELL hardware DOZENS of times, with 100% activation SUCCESS. The only times I've ever run into activation issues is when I've inadvertently used the same key more than once.

Dell preinstalls use a generic key, NOT the one that's actually listed on the case. So that key has never been activated and will not give you any problems.

Joe

I tried installing that OEM CD on my MacBook Pro (in Boot Camp) and it was a no-go. So it could be that Dell to Dell works, but I'm not convinced OEM discs work on any hardware.

Gina Trapani

@ jdlessner

Quite comfortable thank and I still have your cutlass and parrot. We set sail at dawn. Now bring me that horizon!!!!1 Yo Ho!!!!

bann3d

There are already a ton of comments, and I haven't read them all. But I've used Dell XP discs to reinstall dozens of times. The way it works is this: A Dell Windows XP disc will install on any Dell PC, and will never ask for a code. The same disc will install fine on ANY hardware, but you'll have to provide an OEM code to activate. The code on the sticker on the case is an OEM code. Ive done this with Gray SP0 discs, purple SP1 discs, and green SP2 discs (all of which are for XP Pro, incidentally).

Joe

Unless the disc itself is tied to Dell machines, it can be used for installation again. However, the CD key will most likely not activate, as OEM licenses are tied to a single machine. You WILL be able to install and get that far though.

Of course if you have another OEM key, you'll likely have another CD :)

jwpeddle

I've got a pile of Dell XP discs, some with SP1 some with SP2, they all work on any machine I've tried. I recently switched from Dells to Apples, and all my bootcamp/vmware/parallels setups are from Dell XP discs. Just keep the key tied to the disc, and you should be set.

gofargogo

@hazlett:

Yes it is possible, but only if the HDD is (nearly) identical, and the hardware uses the same HAL (both intel or both AMD). I use G4U to image machines at work, and it has the same limitation (though I only use one type of laptop so it's not a big deal for me).

I think that this is more of a legal "can I?" issue. Microsoft states that the OEM license dies with the hardware, and if you really dig into the licensing it dies with the motherboard specifically. Unless the motherboard actually dies, then as someone else pointed out, Microsoft is legally obligated to allow you to replace the motherboard.

That being said, at work if the motherboard does not die, that is the end of that Windows license for our company (I try to follow the rules).

At home on the other hand, I'll always play in the grey areas. If I have to replace the motherboard, of course it failed, and I will always tell the Microsoft technician exactly that: the motherboard failed.

What I don't tell them is that in some cases it failed due to bad hardware, and in others it "failed" to support SATA (or whatever I am trying to add). It's still a failure, and I paid for the thing anyway.

Just don't try to argue that with them and you'll be fine.

I don't agree with outright piracy (though there was a time I owned an eye patch myself), but neither do I agree with the wholesale rape of the comsumer that some companies are conducting.

My basic rule of thumb is that if I will use the software to make money in some way, I pay for it no questions. If not, I may evaluate it A LOT. For the most part it's becoming a non issue, as almost everything I use for personal use has a viable Open Source Alternative (as do many work programs now).

@bann3d:

If you are against paying for an OS on principle, use Linux. Otherwise what you are doing is just theft. If you can live with that, go for it.

jglessner

Some OEM CDs just check the system for a specific file. Sometimes you can find this file in the system's hard drive's root directory. An Olidata computer had this file, and copying it to another machine aloowed me to use the OEM disc.

BTW, there are OEM CDs taht just work on every PC (bought through retailers, but sold as OEM -no manuals, just a gray box).

Letsan

I've used a Gateway XP disk to reinstall windows on another Gateway computer, and on a Dell laptop, never a problem - I didn't even need to put in the key.

Duane

I have also used a XP recovery CD that came with another computer on a different computer. I just stuck the recovery CD into this old computer to see if it would install, and the prompt popped up and it started installing. If you have a recovery disc, you can try this; I'm not sure if I just got lucky or if that's how it works.

puma7

Cant you just slip-stream the disk with nlite? Wouldn't that negate the OEM's restriction?

enriquem

it works; i recently tried this just for the heck of it. it didn't prompt me for a key either. used a new dell inspiron cd on an old dell dimension. YMMV.

MagicMT

If it doesn't work, download uTorrent, go to the torrent site of your choice, and download WinXP or if you feel rowdy Vista. Make sure it has a keygen file, and burn it to disk. Install said disk into your other comp. and install the bad boy. I haven't paid for software since Win95. Pirates Yo Ho!!!!!1

bann3d

Would it be possible to create an iso image of the XP computer and restore it to the other computer ???

hazlett

I had a dell computer a long time ago that came with the windows xp disc. I built my own computer using completely different parts and the disc still works perfectly.

zjgz

You do not need the key whatsoever. Assuming you have a Dell machine, and a Dell OEM XP install CD it will not ask you for any key or perform any sort of activiation during or post installation.

Part of why I always keep a Dell XP Home and Dell XP Pro CD with me, cause no one ever seems to know where they put theirs.

covaro

Though Dell's OEM may restrict it to DELL hardware, whether or not it works or not is only one factor. The other factor is whether you are legally licensed to do so.

klumsy

I have owned maybe 8 dell computers, I have never EVER had a problem using the same DISCS to install, The key, i have had trouble with, Mixing up keys, accidentally entering a home premium key instead of ultimate, I have used the DELL CD to install windows on an HP system with a valid key, The only thing that was diffirent was it said dell everywhere, But that didnt affect the drivers or authentication. Im pretty much postitive that all discs from dell of the same edition (IE vista home premium) contain the EXACT same content as one another so i dont think it is possible to assign a certain CD to a system.

I really hate that, It actually really gets on my nerves now that i think about it, IF YOU OWN A COMPUTER AND IT FAILS ANY SOFTWARE ON THE SYSTEM SHOULD BE TRANSFERRABLE!!! PERIOD!!! The fact that microsoft makes even a motherboard replacement impossible for those who order pre-built systems rather than build their own or upgrade is crazy. Seriously, if i could think of one company that definitely needs MORE MONEY it would be microsoft (SARCASM), they should definitely not be nickel and diming their customers like that. I think this should be forwarded to the consumerist, Thats just unethical, If my system fails and i have an old xp machine i want to upgrade to vista, I should be able to transfer the copy of vista that will never agin be used on the completely destroyed system to the XP machine, PERIOD.

ivealwaysgotmail10

It can be done between two Dells. I carry with me a mini pack consisting of Dell OEM disks of XP Home, XP Pro, Vista Business, and Vista Ultimate. When a client needs a reinstall using my disk is much easier than having them dig for their long lost software packet. It should be noted that you might want to make a copy of at least the network driver before you begin as most of the time the installation will not have the correct driver.

Also Dell disks do not prompt you for a CD key and do not activated, granting the correct BIOS is found by the setup (a version used by Dell , or somehow marked by Dell). Use of a Dell disk on a non-dell computer will allow you to install the OS but will then want a valid OEM cd key.

There are also Gateway OEM disks the behave in a similar fashion but not as reliably as the Dell ones.

Two2teps

yet another comment from me, haha -- I have also noticed that there are further issues with windows xp licenses from dell. If your computer came with, say, xp home sp1, and you have an xp home sp2 dell disc, the license won't work with that cd. I'm not sure if there's something else in that setupp.ini file, or some other file, that pertains to service packs and such, but from my experience, you have to use a disc that has the service pack version of the license you are trying to use (for dell)

jrinco11

pvaras, the trick actually IS the cd -- the compaq cd you may have may be different than other OEM discs. In general, each disc had a different information in the setupp.ini file (winxpcdroot/i386/setupp.ini) which will allow only certain keys to be used (oem, retail, vol license). And even then, sometimes only particular oem/vol licenses.

jrinco11

You can use any dell operating systems disks across any dell. There is something on/in the dell motherboard that dell os cd's look for, and if it doesn't find it during install, you cannot activate it / install. So yes, if both your machines are dell, and you are using a dell XP cd, it will work just fine. (the motherboard also has the same feature for pulling up the service tag when you want to do dell driver updates from [support.dell.com] - click on "find service tag" and it finds ur service tag from info "on" the motherboard).

On a side note, here's a bit of information about oem/retail/volume license disks, and what specifically is different about them: [freepctech.com]

jrinco11

Gina,

What the Dell CD (or nost other manufacturers) is looking for is called a 'tattoo'. Its stored in firmware and can be modified with manufacturer supplied software, but the hassle involved is alot greater than buying a Windows CD.

No, it doesn't phone home (to my knowlege).

Repair techs sometimes swap aftermarket boards into systems in lieu of the manufacturers own part, so a trusted shop or manufacturer's technician may have the software available.

lbonanomi

@Gina Trapani: My guess is that the OEM disk its tied too the brand, when i used a DELL OEM disk on a DELL laptop, it doesn´t even ask for a serial

on the other hand, when i tried to use it on, let´s say an HP it ask me for the serial

again it´s my guess, but thats my experience with OEM disks

cliosguy

@ Gina Trapani: I think that when XP is activated it compares the installed hardware, so if that specific key has been activated with other hardware then it will not be allowed to be activated...

arnold8a

yes it can be done, i doit all the time, an XP DELL OEM can be used to install XP on another DELL machine(works with the VISTA DELL OEM disks too)

it doesn´t even ask you for the serial key

I´ve done it with and XPS1201 and Inspion 710m, both work like charm

cliosguy

You should be able to strip the OEM part of the cd (ususally just an folder called $OEM) using a 3rd party tool like NLite [www.nliteos.com] or VLite for vista, and burn a new, OEM free cd.

mdgreenb

I've done it as well with no problems. However i didn't use the Dell cd out of the box, so to say.

What i did was to copy the cd to my harddrive first, there's even a folder inside called OEM which i removed, then i customized the installation with nLite to remove all the junk i don't need ([www.nliteos.com]) and also slipstreamed Service Pack 2 inside and then made a bootable cd of it.

WarCow

Yes, as long as it's a Dell you don't even need to worry about a CD key.

themoose

Yes you can use it! I've used it on numerous machines and as long as it's a Dell and says so in the BIOS it'll work and never ask for a key!

themoose

Here we go, let's just cut through the BS.

1) The Dell disc pictured, as well as ANY Dell *XP* recovery disc I've ever encountered, will work fine on any PC, so long as the license key you have matches the version of XP on the recovery disc. (OEM disc, OEM key. Retail disc, retail key. OEM XPSP2a disc, OEM XPSP2a key, VL disc, VL key). They might be adding something to tie the discs to new machines, so your mileage may vary.

2) Powerspec, HP, Toshiba, Lenovo/IBM, Sony, Gateway, and most other manufacturers provide *recovery discs*, not WinXP discs, and as such they are designed to fail if they do not detect the proper BIOS for the system with which they were originally provided. This is why you should not flash a motherboard-manufacturer provided BIOS to one of these machines. They are, as another poster said, tattooed.

3) The original OEM license states that an OEM Windows XP install is tied to the machine on which it is originally installed, and is nontransferable. In theory, this means you cannot move the XP license to another machine. In practice, MS does not care so long as you are only using a single copy.

4) Activation is on a timer. I'm going with 90 days, as that's the time I recall (though it may be incorrect). Every 90 days, the activation status of a license resets. Activating on a new hardware configuration before this timer is up results in a failed activation, and you must phone-activate with a few questions from the MS rep about the number of machines you're installing on, the number of times you've activated, yadda yadda yadda. Not a big deal. Activating after the timer is up results in a normal activation.

5) Keep in mind that XPSP2a keys WILL NOT work with older XP installers. XPSP2 licenses may or may not work with XPSP1 or XPRTM discs. This goes the other way, as well. Your mileage can vary.

6) There is no restriction on the distribution of original Windows XP OEM or Retail CDs and images. The only restriction is on distribution of keys. You are not allowed to distribute branded (third-party) XP images, such as the pictured Dell disc. You are only allowed one copy of these discs per license, as per the OEM agreements. This is why OEMs restrict the creation of recovery discs to a single copy per machine, and is also why they require payment for replacement copies. Make backups of your recovery discs.

7) Some of these discs may be crippled - removing essential drivers for hardware not originally included in the machine, for example. Some may have features added - slipstreamed software and AHCI or RAID drivers. This may cause the disc to not work in your machine.

8) A number of these discs may contain OEM keys for unattended installation. These may or may not activate. If they activate on another machine, it isn't legal. Not a problem if you DO have a legitimate license. Don't worry about it.

9) If you have an OEM Vista disc, you can throw out most of the above. Just forget about it and move on.

10) If you have one of the aforementioned HP/Sony/IBM/Powerspec/Etc recovery discs, there are a number of tools which will convert them into real XP discs. Doesn't work with all of them, but worth a shot.

RvLeshrac

My Thinkpad R32 came with no disks and preformatted... When i tried to install XP again i used a DELL one... and it worked, BUT...

When i tried to activate it with (i used my serial number) i couldn't do it online so i used the phone, and the phone automated process was interrupted, and a MS representative talked to me to review the process.

She asked what was i doing, i said restoring my laptop, she then proceeded to give me correct numbers and my XP installation validated.

Now i do not condone piracy, but since i had no installation media i used one of those N in one discs (it had there the dell version, sans crapware if i recall correctly) with my legitimate serial (still on the sticker of the case)....

whiskey

I have done this without a problem. Years ago I bought a Dell Dimension with Windows XP pre-installed. I never used it; erased the harddisk without even having booted from it and installed my own WindowsXP Professional that I now have on the Dell. The PRO verson was a Chrismas present gift I once got.
Then, my neighbor was tired of his Win98 (he had an HP machine). He asked me what to do. So I thought: "I never activated that WinXP that came from the Dell, so I might as well put it on his machine". I did, it installed fine, but when trying to activate it over the internet, it failed. So I called Microsoft on the 1-800 number and told them that I had NEVER used the OEM installation (which was the truth) and wanted to do so now. So after some talking the Indian sounding Microsoft employee (friendly chap) allowed the activation, and it has been working fine ever since...

jzurek

@1ciderguy: I agree with everyone about calling in a HD crash to be able to activate their copy of XP onto another computer, but an interesting thing happened to me recently. I bought XP a couple years ago, installed it onto two of my PCs. Needless to say, Microsoft wouldn't allow the second install, so I wiped the drive and went back to 98 (sad, but true).

REPLY: just what exactly do you mean by Microsoft wouldnt allow the second install? you can install the same Windows disc using the same license key over and over on multiple machines. It's just not legal. It's called PIRACY.

@1ciderguy: Well, a couple months ago, I dug out the old computer (thinking about a torrent machine, thanks to LH), and thought I'd try installing XP again, and it went w/o a hitch. I wonder, if after a certain period of time, you are able to dump it onto another machine w/o calling Microsoft (1 year, perhaps?).

REPLY: you probably did something wrong the first time. as i mentioned in the previous reply, you can install the same disc using the same license key on multiple machine