Hello,

When I used a retail version of XP Pro on a Dell system, I needed to call the number listed on the error page.

It was all done using phone menus and I was given a new number to install with. You must have the same version listed on your system COA as the version you are trying to install.

And follow the required install directions below to get everything installed right the first time.

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.
Currently, the DSS and NSS are not required for systems with Windows Vista installed. This is located under the System and Configuration Utilities Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
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/.

what error page? what is a SYSTEM COA? I am in Brazil... and calls from here to the USA are way too much expensive...

I would get an error page when I input the COA number from the Dell system.

It had a USA phone number to call which led to another key that worked.

COA = Certificate Of Authenticity = The decal on the system with a Microsoft logo and the install key number.

If the call to the USA is too much, if even if it would work from Brazil ...

The only other option is to borrow 'any' Dell install disk with the same version of Windows as the system requires. Or, buy the disk from eBay. I see them for less than $15 US shipped.

... The product key that Dell gives you will only work with their OEM version of XP, and can't be used with a non-Dell XP installation disk. Ron

Ron,

Like I mentioned above, I have used a retail XP disk to install on Dell systems with success.

I used the COA keys from the sides of the systems. When the process fails, a quick call to Microsoft and a new key was issued. The last time was about a year ago just before I received a Dell XP reinstall disk. It works without fail as long as the COA key on the system is XP Pro.

I don't think this breaks any laws since a valid COA key is used each time. :emotion-15:

thanks for your reply...

My dell laptop came with Windows XP Home Edition... and I am trying to install Windows XP Home Edition with SP3... but my serial is NO GOOD...

I had a chat with the Dell support and they told me that my serial will only work with the system restore DVD (which is over 1k miles away from me)...

what error page?

what is a SYSTEM COA?

I am in Brazil... and calls from here to the USA are way too much expensive...

I have all the drivers on a DVD... (I downloaded them from Dell Support Center when I 1st got the PC)

the problem is that the serial # will only work with system restore DVD... which is plain stupid!!!

that being said, it looks like I will get into PIRACY because I can't use the WINDOWS LICENSE I paid for when I bought my laptop... can it be any more stupid?

Where did you get the XP DVD with SP3? If it's a retail copy, the product key should be on the DVD envelope. If you "borrowed" the DVD from somebody, it's not legal to use it to install XP on your PC.

The product key that Dell gives you will only work with their OEM version of XP, and can't be used with a non-Dell XP installation disk.

Ron

Where did you get the XP DVD with SP3? If it's a retail copy, the product key should be on the DVD envelope. If you "borrowed" the DVD from somebody, it's not legal to use it to install XP on your PC. The product key that Dell gives you will only work with their OEM version of XP, and can't be used with a non-Dell XP installation disk. Ron

it is only illegal if you don't own a valid license... I own a valid license to XP Home... but my license key can only be used on with the system restore DVD which is PLAIN STUPID... specially because they have released tons of SECURITY PATCHES since XP SP1... so by installing a newer version I will do 2 things: save bandwidth (mine, Microsoft's and Dell's - as I will not have to DL all the drivers) and have a system with a much better structure...

also: according to the Brazilian law there is no piracy crime if you are not profiting from it (yes that is stupid but it is the way things work around here)

I would get an error page when I input the COA number from the Dell system. It had a USA phone number to call which led to another key that worked. COA = Certificate Of Authenticity = The decal on the system with a Microsoft logo and the install key number. If the call to the USA is too much, if even if it would work from Brazil ... The only other option is to borrow 'any' Dell install disk with the same version of Windows as the system requires. Or, buy the disk from eBay. I see them for less than $15 US shipped.

I have the DVDs at my parents home, but I wont be going there for a while... and there is not an address for them to ship the DVDs now... as I am "back packing" for a while...