OEM or normal?

[MaxRabbit]

I'm completely reformatting a friend's computer-but he doesn't know whether his XP is OEM or full. I have found a program that will give me a CD key-but I still need to know whether I need to reinstall with my OEM disc or full XP disc. Can you help me out?

Thanks,
MaxRabbit

 

[bonanza318]

what kind of computer is it ?

I've been reformating with a fresh new XP every time i do my friends.


I get into the BIOS and delete the old one.
then i Install the new full one :]

 

[MaxRabbit]

It's a Dell, I believe. However, we don't want to spend $90 when XP already was bought!

 

[Zoron]

If the computer came with XP, it's OEM. If your friend purchased XP separately, it's the "full" or retail version. The OEM version is still "full"... it's just cheaper and can only be installed on that computer. The only thing the retail version allows you to do is uninstall it from one computer and move it to another computer. Other than that, they are identical.

 

[MaxRabbit]

So if I install with an "OEM" CD, the full-version CD key should still work?

 

[Zoron]

Why not just use the key that came with the computer? If it came with XP, then it will have the product key stuck to it somewhere. I don't believe retail keys will work with OEM CDs... but I've been wrong before.

 

[Guest]

No, you're correct. The OP should just use the correct Dell XP CD (Home or Pro) and then there's no activation.

Grumpy

 

[Zoron]

Exactly... no need to enter the product key either.

 

[MaxRabbit]

No, you're correct. The OP should just use the correct Dell XP CD (Home or Pro) and then there's no activation.

Grumpy

Oh, I have to use an actuall Dell CD?! How am I supposed to get that?!

 

[gomerpile]

No, you're correct. The OP should just use the correct Dell XP CD (Home or Pro)

and then there's no activation.

Grumpy

grumpy is right. the answer is yes, you can use the xp pro key, y'all activate manually too %systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a
PM for details if needed

 

[Guest]

Oh, I have to use an actuall Dell CD?! How am I supposed to get that?!

It should have come with the computer along with another 4 - 5 CDs. Call Dell.

Grumpy

 

[MaxRabbit]

What should I say to dell? Just ask them to send me a CD?

Thanks a lot for your help here-it's really appreciated!

 

[Guest]

Tell them you lost the recovery CDs and ask them to send you a set.

Grumpy