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XP CD Key
Hi,
I'm about to reinstall Windows XP on a fresh hard drive. The CD sleeve from dell says that the label on my computer has my XP activation code on it. However, it appears that the sticker is quite worn out. How would I obtain that number, or a new one? Would I contact Dell or Microsoft?
Thanks!
P.S. Could I use the activation code from another XP install, even if its a different version of XP?
I'm about to reinstall Windows XP on a fresh hard drive. The CD sleeve from dell says that the label on my computer has my XP activation code on it. However, it appears that the sticker is quite worn out. How would I obtain that number, or a new one? Would I contact Dell or Microsoft?
Thanks!
P.S. Could I use the activation code from another XP install, even if its a different version of XP?
Message Edited by wazam on 02-21-2006 04:54 PM
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Posted February 21st, 2006 21:00
If you are using a Dell Reinstallation Disc on a Dell pc that it came with, you should not be asked for the COA and it is preactivated . .Good Luck . .845
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Posted February 21st, 2006 21:00
Yep . .845
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Posted February 21st, 2006 21:00
OOOps, missed the new hard drive part.
Ed
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Posted February 21st, 2006 21:00
well thats if i can install the software on that computer to find out the current key #.
I cant install software on it (i'm replacing the hard drive for a reason). I'm just not quite clear whether this key is required to insall XP at all, or only the activation (which I think I call, give them a number, and they give me a number).845
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Posted February 21st, 2006 21:00
even if its a clean install on a fresh hard drive?
thanks!
(what if the xp version that came on my comp differs with the one they sent me?)845
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Posted February 22nd, 2006 02:00
well, regardless of whether I'll need the key or not, I got one from Micorosft. As far as drivers go... should I dig up the drivers disks my PC came with? wont XP download most of the immediately needed drivers? someone please elaborate.
Thanks!845
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Posted February 22nd, 2006 02:00
Wazam,
And, to answer your P.S., No! You cannot use a product key for one XP CD for another XP CD, same version or not. Each XP CD knows what its correct Product Key is and will accept no other. As pointed out you won't need one if you use the Dell Reinstallation CD for Windows XP. Once you're up and running, install chipset drivers first. Video, audio, NIC, etc. in any order thereafter. Also, once you're back on the Internet, download the Belarc advisor, Aida32 or Everest program to see what your Product Key is and write it down for future reference if Microsoft ever changes the rules on Windows Product Activation.
Tony
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Posted February 22nd, 2006 03:00
wazam,
You asked, "wont XP download most of the immediately needed drivers?"
Not even close. Any driver that is listed here is not included in XP.
As far as Belarc Advisor, KeyFinder, and the rest, don't bother. They will all return the volume license key used by Dell to install XP on hundreds of computers. If your sticker is no longer legible there is no way you can find the COA assigned to your computer. (I'll be quite surprised if the key from Microsoft works.)
Message Edited by Denny Denham on 02-22-2006 09:20 AM
s.q.u.e.a.m.i.s
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Posted February 21st, 2006 20:00