Re: Reinstalling XP Home on Dell without original reinstall disc?
redyellowgreenblue@gmail.com wrote:
> Hi
>
> I've got a Dell desktop that I want to reinstall Windows XP Home on
> (I'm on SP3 at the moment).
>
> I have no idea where my reinstall disc is. What I do have is the OEM
> code that's on Control Panel/System. I also have the stick which tells
> me the product key. These two codes are different - which I didn't
> expect.
>
They two codes serve two different purposes, and are supposed to be
different.
The Product *ID* is created during the installation process and is
prominently displayed on the General Properties tab of the My Computer
icon. It is used to obtain/qualify for technical support (limited
though that may be) from Microsoft.
The Product *Key* is used to "prove" ownership of a legitimate license
and is required to perform the installation, and is either stored on the
CD packaging on a bright orange sticker that says "Do not lose this
number," or is on a label affixed to an OEM computer.
> Can I just buy a cheap Windows XP Home disc off Ebay and then use my
> own codes?
Provided you manage to obtain a generic, unbranded OEM installation CD,
yes. Your Dell's OEM Product Key will work only with the Dell Recovery
CD meant for that specific model, or a generic OEM CD. It won't work
with a retail CD or another manufacturer's Recovery CD.
However, getting a legitimate license or installation CD of any kind
from eBay is something of a crap shoot. One should be very careful
buying any software on eBay, as eBay makes no prior effort to ensure
that such sales are legitimate. eBay reacts only when someone files a
complaint, and then all that really happens, especially in the case of
the many deliberate fraudsters, is the seller of the pirated software
returns using a different alias, to continue selling illegitimate licenses.
--
Bruce Chambers
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