Failed HDD - need to reinstall XP: But no disc!

Question

Heya guys,

I've had to purchase a new HDD for my (out of warranty) Inspiron 6000 after the HDD failed on me. I've got the Serial Number sticker still stuck on underneath my Laptop - so is it possible to reinstall Windows Home using my friend's OEM Windows Home CD?

Thanks,

rk

JRosenfeld · Answer

If you never received the Dell OEM XP disc, I suggest that you contact Delland rquest one. There are many posts about this if you use search.   Your friend's OEM disc may work if it is a Dell OEM disc, not otherwise.

rockykabir · Answer

I didn't receive a XP CD (I don't think there was an option either :( ) when I purchased the laptop. But will Dell still send me a resource CD even though the Laptop is out of warranty? Will I be charged for this?

My friend's XP is an OEM product which he purchased and non Dell. I had presumed the difference is only the Product Key number which I can take from the sticker under my laptop?

Many thanks for your replies :)

helmecj01 · Answer

http://www.dellcommunity.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=sw_winxp&message.id=214841

jmwills · Answer

The disc will probably not work, so spend the $15 and get the disc from Dell.

BMR777 · Answer

If your friend has an OEM cd it should work as Dell's product keys are OEM. The only part where you may hit a snag is at product activation. Because Dell most likely uses special product keys you may not be able to activate Windows.

There is, however, an unsupported workaround. Before you reinstall XP, back up the files wpa.dbl and wpa.bak from C:\Windows\System32. These files contain the activation info for Windows XP. After you reinstall, recopy the wpa.dbl file back to the System32 folder and your Windows should be activated using the old Dell install activation info. This only works if you use the same PC and same Operating System version.

Hope it helps,
BMR777

Message Edited by BMR777 on 01-16-200705:58 PM

Windows General

Failed HDD - need to reinstall XP: But no disc!

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