OK, easier way of putting it, I need to put my Volume License number onto a PC that has come direct from Dell that has its own License Key etc. how do I change this ? (I normally have to rebuild)

Once done I can then image the machine and every machine will also have the same Volume License number.

I think I'm lost also.  If you are using the Dell OEM disks to do the imaging, no key is needed.  Now, if you bought a copy of XP with a volume license, meaning you could install that copy on a set number of machines, you need to look at something called nLite to build the iso image.

Within that you will create an unattended setup file named "winnit.sif" which can be edited with any simple note/word pad editor.  Dedpending on the answers you enter into that document, this will set all the parameters for your installations.  Not hard at all once you get the hang of it.

OK Here is a breakdown of what I usually do.

1. PC comes in from Delll with OEM XP preloaded.

2. Wipe Drive put XP on again with my software and Volume License.

3. Ghost

4. Deploy to 10 machines

I'm trying to avoid step 2, therefore I need to change the OEM license to my volume somehow ?

Because I cannot Ghost an OEM onto 100 machines and be legal !?!?!

Why do you need the Volume License? Just use the Dell copy.  You are making this harder than it is.

I know what I need to do thats why I'm asking the question ?!?!

Can I change the OEM license to Volume License on the pre-loaded Dell machine in order to Ghost ?

You never mentioned that many machines.   YOu could use the Dell disc if all these came from Dell with their own XP disc. 

The best way to do this is get one of each model loaded with the Volume version of the OS and ghost from there.  You cannot alter the OEM key in order to use your license.

No.