How to get retail Microsoft Windows XP Professional Edition SP1 install like Dell branded?? (no key, no activation)

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@Allegro16 wrote:

Hi,

I have a Dell Dimension 8300 shipped with Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP1,

and have a retail Microsoft Windows XP Professional Edition SP1 cd ready. (With licence, cdkey, etc)

However, when i install the non Dell branded Professional, i guess i need to type the cdkey during install and activate the thing again..

However, since the Home and Pro versions of the Dell branded Win XP discs do not need a key (is in the unattended script) and don't have to be activated: is it somehow possible to copy that option or info from my Dell branded Home cd to my retail Pro disc (ofcourse i'll use my retail Professional key, or it won't work)

Or any other option to get my retail Microsoft Windows XP Professional behave like a Dell branded version??

Would be easier and faster to install..

Thanks,

Allegro16.

I must be missing something.  When you install the retail copy, you need to type in 25 characters to proceed.  That's the ONLY difference... 

Well, besides entering the key i'll have to activate the retail copy while the Dell branded version doesn't.

I want it to be as easy as possible to install.

And there has to be some differences between the retail or normal OEM version and the Dell branded version.

I noticed it uses another boot image (Dell.* instead of Microsoft Corporation.*), don't know if that's all and if that's of any importance.

Thanks,

 

Allegro16.

 

P.S: I guess i just have to wait if someone knows how it can be done, otherwise i'll have to try myself..

How often could you possible need to reinstall windows that typing a code would make a difference.  I for one am offering no help as it's very obvious you're planning something non-legit

Or he just wants to do an unattended setup. Geeze. I use n-lite to create a slipstreamed verison of XP Pro with Service Pack 2 and an unattended setup file. It's very easy. Just do a Google search for n-lite and you'll get the site right away. You'll still have to activate it though. That's something that's completely unique to Dell install disks and there is no legal way to get around it. It's no big thing though, just connect to the 'net and activate.

P.S. You'll need the full network installer of SP2 to create a slipstreamed version.

Another good option. Forgot about that one! I LOVE Ghost!

Hi Allegro

Just do the complete install and activation, get it the way you want it then just use Drive Image or Norton Ghost and make an image. When you want to do another install just use that image, no activation or anything. Works for me.

I love Drive Image, use it all the time

you can setup and unattended installation 

look on your windows xp cd       and look under support folder then to tools folder

extract the contents of the  Deploy.cab to a folder and  the start the file  setupmgr.exe

you will the proceed with enter the required information for your system 

once complete   install your new version of windows xp and the setupmgr  will input the information for you

i believe  this only works for upgrade option might work for new install  if you install from within windows