Can I use old Dell XP Disk on my new homebuilt?

"Timothy Daniels" <SpamBucket@NoSpamPlease.biz> wrote in message
news:482f0ce8$0$4112$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
> "S.Lewis" wrote:
>>
>> "Ben Myers" wrote:
>>> What you did to your Thinkpad works for me. AFAIK, the Dell
>>> Windows XP CD will install OK on any name-brand major OEM
>>> computer, and one has to enter the COA. So I've been told. One
>>> of the files on the CD (setup.ini I believe) contains a Dell-specific
>>> code that allows an install on a Dell BIOS system without need to
>>> enter the COA. Other name brands, when they distribute a true
>>> Windows CD instead of a restore CD (rare), would work the same
>>> way with their own brand-specific code... Ben Myers
>>>
>>
>>
>> Ben,
>>
>> It does work. I most recently used a Dell disc on a Gateway desktop.
>> I did have to manually enter the COA.
>>
>> I ******* it up and had to call to activate before I realized my goof. g
>>
>>
>> Stew
>
> How's this for a summary, then:
> The Dell-branded installation CD will work on Dell machines without
> needing the activation key. The Dell-branded installation CD will also
> work on other brands of machines like any OEM installation CD -
> with the need for the activation key.
>
> *TimDaniels*
>


Pretty much; not to be ****y, but it's the "product key". In the event that
there is a problem with the product key - such as being a total looser and
entering it incorrectly as I did - then you'll likely have to call MS to
have it manually "activated" (versus any normal internet activation).

On Sat, 17 May 2008 09:54:35 -0700, "Timothy Daniels"
<SpamBucket@NoSpamPlease.biz> wrote:

>> By way of clarification, licensed to the Dell machine on which it was
>> originally installed. That license dies with the computer. OEM copies are not
>> transferable (unlike retail copies).
>>
>>> Any other use is theft.
>>
>> Agreed.
>
> But for an OS to live forever - such sweet thievery. :-)
>
>*TimDaniels*

Did Shakespear write that?

On Sat, 17 May 2008 10:31:32 -0400, Tony Harding <ToHard@nowhere.org>
wrote:

>(just try getting a Windows install CD from IBM/Lenovo!)

One advantage Dell has over Lenovo is that Dell provides an install
CD. Lenovo supplies a series of disks that set up a computer, but
they don't (or it doesn't, have to look up in my grammar book) provide
a Windows install CD.

I did spend the $49 for the Vista to XP "downgrade", but I don't have
another good hard drive to install it on so I'm in an either / or
situation, unless I want to spring for a cheap 7200 rpm drive. Not
sure what the sweet spot in terms of size is, or what manufacturer to
choose.

On Sat, 17 May 2008 14:00:06 -0500, "S.Lewis"
<Gossamer@interesting.com> wrote:

>> How's this for a summary, then:
>> The Dell-branded installation CD will work on Dell machines without
>> needing the activation key. The Dell-branded installation CD will also
>> work on other brands of machines like any OEM installation CD -
>> with the need for the activation key.
>>
>> *TimDaniels*
>>
>
>
>Pretty much; not to be ****y, but it's the "product key". In the event that
>there is a problem with the product key - such as being a total looser and
>entering it incorrectly as I did - then you'll likely have to call MS to
>have it manually "activated" (versus any normal internet activation).

When I've had to activate it's unbelievable how many numbers one has
to enter. It just keeps going and going.

Stew, you did mean "loser" or are you just feeling a little loose today?

"S.Lewis" <Gossamer@interesting.com> wrote in message
news:GVFXj.10673$hv2.9621@bignews5.bellsouth.net.. .

> Pretty much; not to be ****y, but it's the "product key". In the event
> that there is a problem with the product key - such as being a total
> looser and entering it incorrectly as I did - then you'll likely have to
> call MS to have it manually "activated" (versus any normal internet
> activation).
>
>
>

"journey" asked:
> "Timothy Daniels" wrote:
>
>>> By way of clarification, licensed to the Dell machine on which it was
>>> originally installed. That license dies with the computer. OEM copies
>>> are not transferable (unlike retail copies).
>>>
>>>> Any other use is theft.
>>>
>>> Agreed.
>>
>> But for an OS to live forever - such sweet thievery. :-)
>>
>>*TimDaniels*
>
> Did Shakespear write that?

IIRC, it was Monty Python. :-)

*TimDaniels*

"WSZsr" wrote:
> Stew, you did mean "loser" or are you just feeling a little loose today?

Confucious say: "Man with loose nut not make good husband."

*TimDaniels*

On Sat, 17 May 2008 16:13:19 -0700, "Timothy Daniels"
<SpamBucket@NoSpamPlease.biz> wrote:

>"WSZsr" wrote:
>> Stew, you did mean "loser" or are you just feeling a little loose today?
>
> Confucious say: "Man with loose nut not make good husband."
>
>*TimDaniels*

You're on a roll today!

"WSZsr" <nospam@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:482f60ed$0$30201$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
> Stew, you did mean "loser" or are you just feeling a little loose today?
>
>


Intentionally misplet the wrod, sir.

"S.Lewis" intimated:
> Intentionally misplet the wrod, sir.

Seen on the lawn in front of Bell Labs:
"The wrod for Bell is paved with good inventions."

*TimDaniels*