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July 4th, 2014 05:00
xp-product-key need for running xp in a virtual machine
I have a dell M4400 laptop that came with window 7, downgradeable to xp. I have been running xp from the beginning.
Now I would like to move my xp installation to a virtual machine running under linux. It will be running on the same bare metal hardware. My problem is when I install xp from my xp recovery cd and go to activate it I only have the product key for my windows 7. This product key is on a sticker on the laptop. Unfortunately nothing is listed for xp.
Is there a way to obtain the product key for my xp? I talked to microsoft and directed me to contact dell with this problem.
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Philip_Yip
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July 4th, 2014 09:00
You cannot as you have an OEM license.
Actually you have downgrade rights from Windows 7 Professional. The Dell XP Professional Reinstallation CD and hence any images will use System locked Preinstallation where they input a generic Dell Windows XP Professional key. This key will activate if and if only accept a valid Dell BIOS is detected which a virtual machine won't have. The key won't activate under any other means.
The best thing for you to do is to install Windows 7 64 Bit Professional and use XP Mode.
Balaji M Kundal
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July 8th, 2014 01:00
I agree with Philip's post.
Additionally, I suggest you to try installing Windows XP Mode in Windows 7. This will not require purchase of a new Windows XP product key. Moreover, you're eligible for Windows 7 license, as per your description. Hence, you can install and activate Windows 7 and then install Windows XP Mode.
The following link will be helpful:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/install-and-use-windows-xp-mode-in-windows-7