Using Dell's OEM XP cd will not ask for a code.

Just in case it asks, the product key would be located on the bottom of your system. Once installed, XP might ask you for the activation code which you could get via internet or by contacting Microsoft.

It will not ask to be activated if you use the Dell WinXP CD and boot from it.  That is the key part.  BOOT From the CD.  There is a routine in the CD installation that checks to make sure that it is a Dell Computer.

If you install WinXP any other way, it will ask you to activate it.

Remember, activation and registration are two different things.  It still will ask you to register the software but it is optional.

 

So can I install the XP that came with my Dell Laptop onto my home computer?

 

microsoft has locked each cd to a computer. so as long as it is activated in one computer in cannot be activated in another.

NO you can NOT install the OS that came with your Dell PC on ANY OTHER PC. Not only is this against the license it will not install. You will get a message that states either "This OS is installed on another PC" or "This is not a Dell PC" and the install will end.

1. The Dell CD is keyed to the Dell bios. To get around that you just clone it and swap the HDD to the new system.

2. XP will activate on any system. If the Dell SLP is not on the system, then it activates as a regular OS would.

3. The Key code on the CD is Dell's  instillation code and does usually match the one on your sticker, It's never been used.

4. XP will activate every 120 days online. If less than that it's a automated phone call, you punch the key number and a synthetic

    Voice will give the activation code back.

5. A re- installed Dell XP OS  will receive updates and will be just like any other system.

6. As far as the EULA goes that is your business. If you choose to abide with a one sided deal, go ahead. 

 

 

I have reinstalled my Dell Windows XP OS on the same computer it came with (I-8100), while upgrading the hard drive.  It did not ask for an activation key.  But when I installed the Microsoft Works CD's (all six of them -- I hope in the future they'll supply the software as a single DVD), you must supply the Activation Code (on a sticker on the back of the Works software envelope) the first time you use any of the programs, such as opening a Word document.

And by the way, is it authorized for me to use the Works software I purchased with my Inspiron 8100 on another future computer?  And is it possible?  This is really a hypothetical question because when I get a new computer I will be getting new office software anyway -- I'm leaning toward Office Basic 2003.  Just curious !

in all honesty, you are suppose to have a certificate for all computers that you have a software installed on.  which means, you are suppose to have a cd key for every computer that you have works, office, windows, or any other product (this really includes all software that is bought).  so legaly, if you want to run works on both computers, that is illegal.  as far as i know, the only software that is supplied with computers as OEM software that is locked to a specific computer is the operating system.  with my i8000, the win me cd would not work in another computer because it will tell me that this is not a dell computer, the other cd that wouldn't work was the dell application software that had the virus software, and dell resolution assistant. 

 

like i said about the os and other software, legally, you can't install works on another computer as long as the software is installed on one computer, and to be legal, you will have to uninstall it from the laptop to install it on your home computer, but to answer your question about will it install on your desktop, it should.