Dell Windows XP disc

[Colton_10]

Hi, I have a Dell reinstallation disc for XP home sp2 and was wondering if I could use it to reinstall a copy of Windows XP on a Dell computer that I have lost the disc for. I also need to know if it will deactivate the other installation as well. Thanks.

 

[bignastyid]

The install disc is not tied to the system only the product key is. You can use that disc to install xp on another system aslong as you have an OEM xp home product key for that system.

 

[johndough]

As far as I remember, a Dell XP disc will work to install on any Dell computer (of the XP era) and no code entry or activation was required. XP was considered "pre-activated" when installed on OEM machines like Dell, HP, etc. Windows has never had "deactivation" policies like Photoshop does so no need to worry about that.

 

[william p]

The activation code is usually on a decal on top of the case on Dells. It's on the Microsoft COA sticker.
Aka "Certificate Of Authenticity". The COA goes with the comuter, not the owner, but some people scrape them off due to ignorance.

 

[Math Geek]

the only concern may be drivers. many of the dell disks were specific to the pc it came with. when used, it would set everything up and not require separate driver installs. it'll still install xp no problem but may not have drivers needed on a different system. so you will need to track down the needed drivers ahead of time so they are ready for install once xp is up and running.

i remember using these disks on systems that were not even dell brand. so they are standard xp install disks just with a custom driver installer matching the model it came with. think i still have one of those in a box somewhere as well.

 

[escstudios]

yup. what those guys said.
if you really need to install it, and worth the risk of it saying that you need a serial number later, then install it. Its possible it will promt for the serial at some time, and then if the disc has the serial it will work.
it will clear the systek and re install OS. drivers may or may not work.....
drivers can be downloaded or installed en masse with a driver CD , forgot what its called at the moment..
there are driver cds and with a web connect that finds the right drivers and auto installs them. these driver things are super useful

the only concern may be drivers. many of the dell disks were specific to the pc it came with. when used, it would set everything up and not require separate driver installs. it'll still install xp no problem but may not have drivers needed on a different system. so you will need to track down the needed drivers ahead of time so they are ready for install once xp is up and running.

i remember using these disks on systems that were not even dell brand. so they are standard xp install disks just with a custom driver installer matching the model it came with. think i still have one of those in a box somewhere as well.