Best way to get the operating system back?

Question

A friend recently asked me to check out a computer he was interested in buying from a private party.  I took a look at it, saw it was a Dell and that it had the OS sticker, untampered with, was in running order.  With my approval, he bought it.   Now I come to set it up for him and find that someone before him has wiped the operating system (and partition) off the hard drive and put a pirated copy of XP Pro on it in place of the XP Home that the sticker says it's supposed to have.  I didn't even think to look at the version of the software; it was XP and so was the sticker.  Anyway, the machine didn't come with disks, naturally, and the copy of XP Pro is pirated so what I'd like to do is put the original software back on the computer.    Can anyone tell me what would be the cheapest and easiest way to get the original software back on this machine?  I'd be great if I could set him up with a partition and everything, but just getting the software that should legally be on this machine back on it would be enough.  What do you think would be the best route to go?  The machine's got all it's stickers; XP, service tag and so forth but it's long out of warranty (mfg - 2002).  I feel responsible because I did advise him to buy it and I want to make it right without having to shell out for a new operating system.  Please advise.   Arielphf

jdelidc · Answer

2 options.... option 1: cheapest: have a talk with dell and see if they can send you the right reinstall CD. option 2: potentially not as cheap: have a talk with microsoft

europa303 · Answer

Unless the original seller or the buyer registered the buyer with Dell as the new owner, you're not apt to have much luck with Dell to receive a free reinstall disk.  The new owner can register and try with the following links:   Transfer ownership:   http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/change_order/tag_transfer?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&redirect=1     Ask for disk (once ownership is successfully transferred):   http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/en/backupcd_form?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&redirect=1   Don't waste your time with Microsoft.  They don't support Dell supplied OS's.   If you can locate another Dell XP disk that is the same as what came with this computer originally, it should install correctly.  Otherwise, you may need to purchase XP from newegg or other retail source.

Arielphf · Answer

Thanks.  Yeah, I tried Microsoft first.  What a waste of time.  Will try Dell.  Thank you for your advice and the links.

jmwills · Answer

This never was a Microsoft issue since it had OEM software on it form Dell.  Shell out the $$$ and buy another OEM copy from somewhere like NewEgg.

Arielphf · Answer

Um... no.  I'm not paying microsoft anything more than I have to.  And since this computer CAME with an operating system, I should be able to at least get the original operating system back.   You might want to read posts before you respond to them.

simpswr · Answer

Borrow another Dell XP Home Reinstallation Disc . . use it to wipe the drive and reinstall. You can get a reinstallation guide specific to your Dell here
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/software_reinstall/en/index?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=mn

This is a great guide for reinstalling on a Dell: http://www.djdenham.com/Install%20Procedures.htm

This is a site that walks you thru a simulated XP installation:
http://www.echoproject.net/en/software/catalog.html

jmwills · Answer

With all due respect, you should investigate the facts.  You did not buy an operating system with that computer.  You paid for a license to use the operating system.  Only Microsoft owns the OS.

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Best way to get the operating system back?

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