Format Hard Disk; Can't Identify Original XP Home Software

[Guest]

I have about 6 computers on a network; about 4 of them came installed with
Windows XP Home and included the OEM XP software on a CD. I put all of the
software disks bundled with the new computers in a drawer (along with the
original XP disks from 3 computers at my home), but didn't label which disk
was for which computer.

Now, one of the XP Home Dell's is running too slowly. I've tried to remove
all the spyware I could find, redundant or unnecessary apps, etc., but it's
not helping. Something is sucking resources. I want to do a full format and
reinstall everything (data files are on the network, so just a matter of
reinstalling apps). I've done this with Windows 98 and ME, so I know the
basics. However, I know that XP doesn't allow software to be installed on a
computer other than the original. What do I do? When I go to reinstall the
XP from original OEM disks, I presume it will determine I'm not using the
right disk. Do I just keep loading them in until I find one that works?
What if I can't find it?

 

[Jerry]

The Belarc Advisor www.belarc.com or Everest Home Edition www.lavalys.com
should provide the info you seek.

 

[HillBillyBuddhist]

|I have about 6 computers on a network; about 4 of them came installed with
| Windows XP Home and included the OEM XP software on a CD. I put all of
the
| software disks bundled with the new computers in a drawer (along with the
| original XP disks from 3 computers at my home), but didn't label which
disk
| was for which computer.
|
| Now, one of the XP Home Dell's is running too slowly. I've tried to
remove
| all the spyware I could find, redundant or unnecessary apps, etc., but
it's
| not helping. Something is sucking resources. I want to do a full format
and
| reinstall everything (data files are on the network, so just a matter of
| reinstalling apps). I've done this with Windows 98 and ME, so I know the
| basics. However, I know that XP doesn't allow software to be installed on
a
| computer other than the original. What do I do? When I go to reinstall
the
| XP from original OEM disks, I presume it will determine I'm not using the
| right disk. Do I just keep loading them in until I find one that works?
| What if I can't find it?

Dell XP discs are BIOS locked to Dell computers and don't require
activation. Any Dell XP Home disc will work. (it would be good to use one at
the same Service Pack level if possible) It doesn't need to be the one
specific to that computer. There is no "per computer specific" information
on the disc(s).

Use the Product Key on the sticker on the side of the computer. (bottom for
laptops)

The key you will find using Belarc, Everest, or any of a variety of
keyfinders is a mass production "image" key. It is different than that which
you will find on the sticker on each system and will not work for
installation purposes.

The Chipset and driver utilities found on the "Resource and Driver" CD(s)
are system specific. If you cannot figure out which of those belong to which
computer Dell makes them all available for download. Some drivers will
likely be newer than the ones on CD so it may be prudent to download new
ones anyway.

Start @ http://support.dell.com/ Log in (or create an account) click
"Downloads and Drivers" enter your service tag or model #.

--
Doug

I'm not an MVP a VIP nor do I have ESP.
I was just trying to help.
Please use your own best judgment before implementing any suggestions or
advice herein.
No warranty is expressed or implied.
Your mileage may vary.
See store for details.

Remove shoes to E-mail.

 

[Guest]

Thanks. Your answer was exactly what I needed to know.

 

[Ron Martell]

Dell XP discs are BIOS locked to Dell computers and don't require
activation. Any Dell XP Home disc will work. (it would be good to use one at
the same Service Pack level if possible) It doesn't need to be the one
specific to that computer. There is no "per computer specific" information
on the disc(s).

Only the more recent Dell systems with Windows XP are BIOS locked.
When Windows XP was first released the Dell systems came with a
regular OEM installation CD and had to be activated in the normal
manner.

A computer with a "BIOS Locked" OEM version of Windows XP will not
have a menu item for "Activate Windows" on the Accessories - System
Tools menu.


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm

 

[HillBillyBuddhist]

Only the more recent Dell systems with Windows XP are BIOS locked.
When Windows XP was first released the Dell systems came with a
regular OEM installation CD and had to be activated in the normal
manner.

A computer with a "BIOS Locked" OEM version of Windows XP will not
have a menu item for "Activate Windows" on the Accessories - System
Tools menu.


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm

Define "more recent."

My Dimension 8200 is 3 years old in 35 days and falls under the scenario I
indicated. Original XP RTM BIOS locked and no activation required. (XP was
released only 9 prior) Same with my 1 year old Inspiron 8500 and 6 month old
Dimension 8400.

 

[Ron Martell]

Define "more recent."

My Dimension 8200 is 3 years old in 35 days and falls under the scenario I
indicated. Original XP RTM BIOS locked and no activation required. (XP was
released only 9 prior) Same with my 1 year old Inspiron 8500 and 6 month old
Dimension 8400.

I am not certain as to the date when Dell switched to SLP for their
Windows XP but it was some time ago, probably early 2002 or even
before that.

I do know that I have encountered some Dell systems that did have
regular OEM installation CDs that required activation, but they may
have been ones produced within the first few months after the initial
release of Windows XP.


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm