13 Posts
0
2026
Use Windows 7 License Key to Activate Windows XP When PC Shipped With XP
Hi, I have a Dell Optiplex 380 that I got second hand. When I look at the system configuration through the Dell service tag lookup page, I noticed that it had originally come with a downgrade to XP. On the computer, though, there is only a Windows 7 license key on the sticker. Can I use the Windows 7 key to activate XP in this case? The PC did not come with any accessories and the hard drive is wiped clean, so installing XP could only be a clean install through a download found online. Thanks.
JOcean
7 Technologist
7 Technologist
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12K Posts
1
April 12th, 2021 13:00
No you cannot. You would have to purchase a Windows 7 key or use the key displayed on the sticker to activate Windows 7. Although I would not consider using XP as there are no updates (for quite some time) and you are opening yourself up to security breaches on your system.
speedstep
9 Legend
9 Legend
•
47K Posts
1
April 12th, 2021 14:00
Since Both XP and 7 are EOL you cannot use either anymore and Neither Dell nor Microsoft will issue a new key. You can use the 7 COA key to activate 10 after installing with a Generic Key.
Drivers are in a single cab file but WIN7 only which works fine with 10 but its not supported.
Move the Cab file to My Documents folder then extract using 7zip right click extract here in My Documents folder.
Then update drivers from my pc instead of the internet in device manager.
https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=j5vx9
Optiplex 380-win7-A05-J5VX9.CAB
https://dl.dell.com/FOLDER02123413M/1/Optiplex%20380-win7-A05-J5VX9.CAB
https://www.7-zip.org/download.html
https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000147298
https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000178959/dell-optiplex-380-windows-7-driver-installation-guide
Win10 Home: YTMG3-N6DKC-DKB77-7M9GH-8HVX7
Win10 Pro: VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T
XP and Vista Keys will not install or upgrade to 10.
If you do not have the COA key label anymore you will need to buy a key from microsoft or Retail if you want support.
Dell only supports the OS that came with the unit.
2004 Windows 10 Update
Keep in mind that audio and video and other OEM drivers may need
REINSTALL after the feature update.
Sandisk USB flash and SD cards are faked all the time.
https://kb.sandisk.com/app/ask/session/L3RpbWUvMTQ3MDY0ODQ2Mi9zaWQvZFB5QWh5WG0%3D
Use 32 gig sandisk USB 2.0 flash drive for installer.
SDCZ60-032G-A46
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sandisk-cruzer-32gb-usb-2-0-flash-drive-black/9288807.p?skuId=9288807
https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000131442
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO
Update Now Link
https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=799445
20H2 Media tool no upgrades needed
https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=691209
vistaturtle
13 Posts
0
April 12th, 2021 13:00
Thank you JOcean!