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So its like this i have a ton of old Dell pc's laying around, and they all have xp pro keys on them. What can i do to get those keys to work on whitebox pc's, i know its got to be possible im willing to try almost anything at this point. I hate to just throw all the pc's away when i feel they could be used.
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If the laptop is new it should prompt you to create a recovery disc.
If it is old and you dont have a disc, you could download a copy of wndows from a torrent site, but use your own serial key.
It would have to be exactly the same version, if it is an OEM copy, tied to a make (eg Dell)
Search for Dell windows xp pro.
you are looking for something like these.. http://isohunt.com/torrents/?ihq=+xp+pro+dell
If you are reinstalling Windows XP from a NON-DELL disc, and trying to use the Dell OEM product key, it will not work.
OEM versions of Windows have a modified precopy2.cab and a retail version of XP will not validate the OED product key from the chassis. This is because the OEM media for Dell has a precopy2.cab that pre-loads the product key when the system is BOOTED to the OEM media (It also pre-activates the OS)
Your choices at the point are:
Re-install the OS from a Dell OEM CD (They can be purchased on EBay for around $20, and only work on Dell Systems)
At the moment, the only method of getting Windows XP install media is by purchasing the disc or ordering install media directly from Microsoft. The other way is if you're a MSDN subscriber, you can usually download software images from Microsoft and use your own key.
The other way to do this is by finding a friend who has a Windows XP cd of your version [for example, Windows XP Home OEM, OEM meaning that the disc came with a manufacturer such as Dell or HP, or Windows XP Home Retail, meaning that the disc came in a Windows XP Home box someone purchased]. If you can borrow thier disc, you can use your key off of your COA [Certificate of Authenticity] which is a sticker on your computer showing your 25 digit license key. This will install Windows XP legally on your system again.
If you own an OEM computer like Compaq, HP, Dell, etc, you can also try contacting support for that PC manufacturer and seeing if you can order recovery media for your computer model. This will install the operating system, all drivers, and software that originally came with your computer back to default when you bought your PC. You may also have recovery software installed on your computer. Look under your start menu and see if you have a suite of software from your PC manufacturer, including recovery software or system restore software.
tell technician if he used pro with a key already installed he needs to change key
or reinstall with xp home if the pc has sticker on side originally.
usualy this is the result of p2p xp customizers that make "lite" versions and so on.
i have downloaded a real oem xp home from most makers like hp, dell, sony the xp home cd works for all with same key under laptops with home sticker. or desktops on its sides or rear.
its oem, you either need IBMs restore cd for your particular laptop (model) or an xp pro (any service pack will do) OEM disk. You can not get the OEM disk at best buy, circuit city target etc those are retail versions and will not work. Newegg.com or frys electronics are your best bet, but by buying it from them you are getting another copy of xp pro, just use the cd with the keycode on your laptop and then you can install xp pro on another pc using the code that came with the disk. MAKE SURE YOU ARE GETTING AN OEM VERSION AND NOT A RETAIL VERSION.
Some technical stuff: For the xp pro disk you MUST have the COA product key available, this is usually on the bottom of your laptop, for IBMs disk you just have to have an IBM WITH an IBM motherboard as without the motherboard it will not work. For example, the motherboard goes out and you replace it with a non ibm board it will only boot for 3-5 times, the ideaa is that this gives you time to get your documents off. This is per Microsoft agreement with ibm and all other Original equipment manufactures this include hp, dell etc.
sorry if this is too technical for you please let me know.
The product key has to match the CD. In other words, an OEM XP sticker found on a computer case requires an OEM XP CD with the same Service Pack level and version. An Upgrade CD won't work with an OEM serial #.
OEM Home SP1 Sticker = OEM Home SP1 CD
OEM Professional SP2 Sticker = OEM Professional SP2 CD
Yes, it can be a pain getting the two to match up since most of the stickers I've seen do not indicate whether they are SP1 or SP2.
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