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Restoring laptop to factory - But it doesn't like the XP key.
I have the right cd's & all I want to do is restore the laptop to its original condition. OF course, I have trouble with the first step. I get asked the product key for Windows XP. I found the key on the bottom of the computer & tried it about 10 timies but it just won't take it. Can't get any further without that product key..
Now, I'll take all the pity you can give me but if theres any hints or ideas, I'm listening.
Thanks - Tobelyn
PapaSmurf68
93 Posts
0
December 3rd, 2008 13:00
You have one of two problems. Either you are entering the CD Key in incorrectly or you are using the wrong cd for that specific key. I've run into the first problem a lot as the COA sticker can be difficult to read on a heavily used laptop.
Tobelyn
7 Posts
0
December 3rd, 2008 14:00
It's an XPS M140 Laptop
The only model number I can find is from the bottom side. PP19L
Hanspuppa
799 Posts
0
December 3rd, 2008 14:00
Hello Tobelyn, Can you advise the model number of your laptop.
We can check and see if it has a Dell Recovery Restore partition on it.
If it does, you could re-install it back to the original shipped configuration.
Hope this helps.
Tobelyn
7 Posts
0
December 3rd, 2008 14:00
I'm using the requested cd's that Dell sent me for this system. And a magnifying glass to read the key. Still isn't working
Hanspuppa
799 Posts
0
December 3rd, 2008 15:00
Hello Tobelyn, I found your system. it is quite new it seems. Below is instructions to use the Dell Recovery Restore Utility.
This would restore it back to the point when it was shipped. You would loose all the data you have added since you got the system.
If you want to proceed, just follow the below instructions.
Hope this helps.
To use PC Restore:
Turn on the computer.
During the boot process, a blue bar with www.dell.com appears at the top of the screen.
Immediately upon seeing the blue bar, press .
If you do not press in time, let the computer finish starting, and then restart the computer again.
On the next screen that appears, click Restore.
On the next screen, click Confirm.
The restore process takes approximately 6–10 minutes to complete.
When prompted, click Finish to reboot the computer.
dgkpcon
3.6K Posts
0
December 3rd, 2008 15:00
Hanspuppa,
The XPS M140 is not a new system?...
Hanspuppa
799 Posts
0
December 3rd, 2008 15:00
Hello dgkpcon, I didn't say it was a new system. I said it was quite a new system.
It shipped with Windows XP Media 2005, so it is around 3 or so years old.
To me, that is a fairly new system, as opposed to one that was 8 to 10 years old.
The reason I made this statement, is to see if it had the Dell Recovery Restore partition on it.
I could not verify this, so I suggested the Member try to see if she could access it.
Sorry for the confusion.
Thereal-dbk4297
3.4K Posts
1
December 3rd, 2008 16:00
Hello,
First thing that sounds funny is that a Dell reinstall CD is asking for a key number.
Dell CD's as a rule don't ask. The key is tyed to it seeing a Dell BIOS and model number. What does the CD from Dell say on it? And is it to same version of Windows that came installed on the system new?
We will get you through the first problem, and I want to prepare you for your install. Dell systems require the install to be done in the correct order, and as such I am posting the list below.
Note: Some devices may not function properly if the drivers are installed out of order.
Install your version of Windows.
Install the following software and drivers in the order listed below.
***** 1.***** Desktop System Software (DSS) or Notebook System Software (NSS) - A vital utility that provides critical updates and patches for the operating system. If you are reinstalling the operating system or updating all the computer’s drivers, it is imperative that this software be installed first.
This is located under the System and Configuration Utilities Category on the Drivers and Downloads page. The DSS or NSS may not be required for some systems that shipped with Windows Vista installed. If your download page has a DSS or NSS file, "It is required".
2. Chipset - Helps Windows control system board components and controllers. This is located under the Chipset Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
3. Video Adapter - Enhances video performance. This is located under the Video Adapter Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
4. Network Interface Card (NIC) - Enhances the network controller for Internet or network access. This is located under the Network Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
5. Audio Adapter - Enables and enhances the audio controller. This is located under the Audio Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
6. Modem - Allows dialup capability. This is located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
7. Wireless Network Card - Enables and enhances the wireless network controller. This is located under the Network Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
8. Touchpad, Pointer, Trackstick, Mice, and Keyboards - Enhances the pointing device features. This is located under the Mouse & Keyboards Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
9. Other Devices
* Bluetooth Module
This is located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
* Dell Wireless Mobile Broadband Cards
This is located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
* PCMCIA/Smartcard controller
This is located under the Security Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
Dell drivers and downloads page http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/. Input your service tag number to get the required drivers for your system, 'as shipped'.
NOTE: If your system download page offers a DSS or NSS file in the 'System and Configuration Utilities' Category. And you have already tried to install some drivers, you will need to reboot in Safe Mode to install the DSS or NSS file, and the chipset. Then reboot the system and install the rest of the drivers in the correct order.
Hanspuppa
799 Posts
0
December 3rd, 2008 16:00
Hello Thereal-dbk4297, "First thing that sounds funny is that a Dell reinstall CD is asking for a key number."
That does seem a little odd. Thanks for the heads-up on that.
As you suggest, if the XP disk is not an original Dell, then a CD key associated with that CD\DVD would be necessary, and the one listed on the system would not work.
This system shows it to be shipped with Windows XP Media 2005, so an authentic Dell CD\DVD should install without a CD key.
Not exactly sure what seems to be going on here.
Just a thought.
Thereal-dbk4297
3.4K Posts
1
December 4th, 2008 16:00
I'm not 100% clear just yet as the exact procedure and order of 'media' installs, but plan to find out and create a page at my web site for it.
K-infotech
137 Posts
0
December 5th, 2008 00:00
As per the last few coments. Dell laptops should NOT ask for CD keys when you reinstall from a Dell issued Windows disc. Dell motherboards contain a special key, Dell CDs check this key to confirm that you have a geniune Dell and once that confirmation has been made they simply install. I've installed OS's on so many models that I've lost count and the only time that you usually get asked for a key is 1) If you are using a non-Dell copy of XP, 2) If you are using a non-Dell motherboard 3) If you've messed with your system using a non-Dell app like syssprep.
Hanspuppa
799 Posts
0
December 5th, 2008 07:00
Hello K-infotech, Thanks for the confirmation, and also TheReal-dbk4297 for his input.
I have installed Windows OS more than a thousand times, and a few hundred on Dell systems, and when using the Dell provided OS disk, have never been asked for a key.
If the Member is having an issue with this, there must be something more going on here.
Just a thought.
Tobelyn
7 Posts
0
December 5th, 2008 16:00
A Special THANK YOU to Hanspuppa(?). I did exactly as you told me to do & it worked the very first time I trid it. Works just like it did when I brought it home.
Instead of sending me all that media, why did Dell just send me to you. cou;d have evryone money.
Thanks so much1
rastlin80
2 Posts
0
June 23rd, 2009 14:00
Hello K-infotech, Thanks for the confirmation, and also TheReal-dbk4297 for his input.
I have installed Windows OS more than a thousand times, and a few hundred on Dell systems, and when using the Dell provided OS disk, have never been asked for a key.
If the Member is having an issue with this, there must be something more going on here.
Just a thought.
[/quote]
i have a similar problem I was trying to reinstall Windows xp on my laptop. I have a retail version of windows and I was trying to install it on my dell laptop using the cd key on the bottom of the laptop, but it would not take the key. However I also have a Windowx Xp install disk that came with one of my dell desktops can I use that cd to install Windows xp on to my laptop without having to worry about the key?
speedstep
8 Wizard
8 Wizard
•
47K Posts
0
June 24th, 2009 07:00
If you are booting from CD and totally wipeout reinstalling using a DELL CD it will not ask you for a Key.
Microsoft Invalidated several million OEM keys.
If you call the microsoft number and read them the COA label they will issue you a new key.
I suggest Activating the computer using the "Activate by Phone" method.
The Activation Rep should be able to issue an override to get the computer activated.
How to activate Windows XP by phone
To contact a Microsoft customer service representative to activate Windows by phone, follow these steps:
1. Click 'Start', point to 'All Programs', point to 'Accessories', point to 'System Tools', and then click 'Activate Windows'.
Or, click the Windows Activation icon in the notification area (aka system Tray).
2. Click Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to active Windows now.
3. Follow the steps in the Activate Windows by phone dialog box, and then click Next.
4. When activation is completed and you receive the following message, click OK.
"You have successfully activated your copy of Windows".