How to find XP Serial Number from Windows?

[tforms1]

I have 2 copies of windows XP:
1 Professional - I use this on my home computer that I built.
1 Home edition - I use this on my parent's PC that is a Dell that
originally had windows 95.

Now I am planning on purchasing a new laptop for them from Dell.

I am planning on getting a laptop that has windows XP (they are not
good with computers, so I figure they are sort of used to xp, so why
change the interface on them)

The problem is that Dell always puts a bunch of software, etc that is
not needed, so I want to format the laptop when I get it and reinstall
windows xp onto it. (from my CD)

The problem is that I will not have a valid code to use. (since both
of mine are being used)

Since the laptop will be valid, is there a way for me to find out what
serial number is being used for the laptop, so that when I do the
format I can use that?

Thanks

 

[John Holmes]

"contributed" in alt.os.windows-xp:

I have 2 copies of windows XP:
1 Professional - I use this on my home computer that I built.
1 Home edition - I use this on my parent's PC that is a Dell that
originally had windows 95.

Now I am planning on purchasing a new laptop for them from Dell.

I am planning on getting a laptop that has windows XP (they are not
good with computers, so I figure they are sort of used to xp, so why
change the interface on them)

The problem is that Dell always puts a bunch of software, etc that is
not needed, so I want to format the laptop when I get it and reinstall
windows xp onto it. (from my CD)

The problem is that I will not have a valid code to use. (since both
of mine are being used)

Since the laptop will be valid, is there a way for me to find out what
serial number is being used for the laptop, so that when I do the
format I can use that?

Thanks

http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

 

[relic]

I have 2 copies of windows XP:
1 Professional - I use this on my home computer that I built.
1 Home edition - I use this on my parent's PC that is a Dell that
originally had windows 95.

Now I am planning on purchasing a new laptop for them from Dell.

I am planning on getting a laptop that has windows XP (they are not
good with computers, so I figure they are sort of used to xp, so why
change the interface on them)

The problem is that Dell always puts a bunch of software, etc that is
not needed, so I want to format the laptop when I get it and reinstall
windows xp onto it. (from my CD)

The problem is that I will not have a valid code to use. (since both
of mine are being used)

Since the laptop will be valid, is there a way for me to find out what
serial number is being used for the laptop, so that when I do the
format I can use that?

It also has to match your copy; if the laptop has XP Home, you have to use
an OEM XP Home version of CD. A Pro or Retail copy won't work with the
serial number of the laptop's copy.

Use the number that is on the Silver sticker affixed to the bottom of the
laptop. The one that can be decrypted from the registry is Dell's factory
installation VLK; it won't work with your copy.

 

[Poprivet]

I have 2 copies of windows XP:
1 Professional - I use this on my home computer that I built.
1 Home edition - I use this on my parent's PC that is a Dell that
originally had windows 95.

Now I am planning on purchasing a new laptop for them from Dell.

I am planning on getting a laptop that has windows XP (they are not
good with computers, so I figure they are sort of used to xp, so why
change the interface on them)

The problem is that Dell always puts a bunch of software, etc that is
not needed, so I want to format the laptop when I get it and reinstall
windows xp onto it. (from my CD)

The problem is that I will not have a valid code to use. (since both
of mine are being used)

Since the laptop will be valid, is there a way for me to find out what
serial number is being used for the laptop, so that when I do the
format I can use that?

Thanks

BellArc Advisor can do that, along with other programs like jellybean, etc..
It's not the serial number you want though, it's the key code for XP.
If however your laptop has an OEM version of XP you might not even be
able to install it on the new machine. And if you get it installed it might
not be able to be activated. And it will definitely be an illegal
installation.
Not so if it's a purchased retail version though.

HTH
Pop`

 

[Damian]

BellArc Advisor can do that, along with other programs like
jellybean, etc.. It's not the serial number you want though, it's the
key code for XP. If however your laptop has an OEM version of XP
you might not even be able to install it on the new machine. And if you
get it installed
it might not be able to be activated. And it will definitely be an
illegal installation.

Only if you use the same Key. He's not trying to install one copy on two
machines.

 

[tforms1]

It also has to match your copy; if the laptop has XP Home, you have to use
an OEM XP Home version of CD. A Pro or Retail copy won't work with the
serial number of the laptop's copy.

Really? Ok, that kills my plan then.
I have XP Pro and Home Edition (both without service packs), both
purchased from the store.

So the new laptop, I will not be able to use my CD to reinstall it?
That sucks.

 

[LVTravel]

You can go into Add & Remove programs in Control Panel and remove almost
all, if not all, of the garbage that Dell will install on the system. I
have done this with Sony, HP and Dell systems many times. No problems later
by doing this. Clone the drive once all the garbage has been removed.

 

[relic]

Really? Ok, that kills my plan then.
I have XP Pro and Home Edition (both without service packs), both
purchased from the store.

So the new laptop, I will not be able to use my CD to reinstall it?
That sucks.

Depends on whether they're Retail or OEM versions. If they are OEM, they
should. (OEM versions came with the CD Key on a Silver sticker instead of
the Orange sticker on the packaging.)

 

[Star]

I have 2 copies of windows XP:
1 Professional - I use this on my home computer that I built.
1 Home edition - I use this on my parent's PC that is a Dell that
originally had windows 95.

Now I am planning on purchasing a new laptop for them from Dell.

I am planning on getting a laptop that has windows XP (they are not
good with computers, so I figure they are sort of used to xp, so why
change the interface on them)

The problem is that Dell always puts a bunch of software, etc that is
not needed, so I want to format the laptop when I get it and reinstall
windows xp onto it. (from my CD)

The problem is that I will not have a valid code to use. (since both
of mine are being used)

Since the laptop will be valid, is there a way for me to find out what
serial number is being used for the laptop, so that when I do the
format I can use that?

Thanks

Why don't you order the Dell with XP rather than Vista.
Dell still has the XP option on several of their systems.

Art

 

[tforms1]

Why don't you order the Dell with XP rather than Vista.
Dell still has the XP option on several of their systems.
Art- Hide quoted text -

That is my plan.

But I've heard that Dell loads the computer up with tons of software
that is not needed. Such as anti-virus (Im planning on using avg
instead), and Im sure a lot of other Dell software.

I wanted to do a fresh install but I do not have any extra product
codes for XP, so I want to use the one that came with the laptop.

But now I heard I cannot, since I have a store bought XP (originally,
no service packs) and the version that will be installed on the laptop
won't be the same (OEM version? see above posts) so the laptop's
product code might not work with my CD, even though both are Home
Editions.

 

[Andrew Murray]

I have 2 copies of windows XP:
1 Professional - I use this on my home computer that I built.
1 Home edition - I use this on my parent's PC that is a Dell that
originally had windows 95.

Now I am planning on purchasing a new laptop for them from Dell.

I am planning on getting a laptop that has windows XP (they are not
good with computers, so I figure they are sort of used to xp, so why
change the interface on them)

The problem is that Dell always puts a bunch of software, etc that is
not needed, so I want to format the laptop when I get it and reinstall
windows xp onto it. (from my CD)

The problem is that I will not have a valid code to use. (since both
of mine are being used)

Since the laptop will be valid, is there a way for me to find out what
serial number is being used for the laptop, so that when I do the
format I can use that?

Thanks

 

[andy m]

when you buy from dell, you will get a cd with it..and it will have the
serial...you can choose to not install the "dell garbage"...you should have
no problems using the sticker
key...
also, the disk should have the up to date service packs on it..

 

[sbb78247]

That is my plan.

But I've heard that Dell loads the computer up with tons of software
that is not needed. Such as anti-virus (Im planning on using avg
instead), and Im sure a lot of other Dell software.

I wanted to do a fresh install but I do not have any extra product
codes for XP, so I want to use the one that came with the laptop.

But now I heard I cannot, since I have a store bought XP (originally,
no service packs) and the version that will be installed on the laptop
won't be the same (OEM version? see above posts) so the laptop's
product code might not work with my CD, even though both are Home
Editions.

http://pcdecrapifier.com/

Give it a try - they claim it cleans out most of the crap.

And, if you insist on a Hell, errr, Dell, then look at the Vostro line since
most of that crapola is not installed in the first place.

HTH, HAND, and GFIA!!

--
sbb78247

resident redneck alt.os.windows-xp

you aint frum 'round here are ya boy!

 

[Snuff]

I have 2 copies of windows XP:
1 Professional - I use this on my home computer that I built.
1 Home edition - I use this on my parent's PC that is a Dell that
originally had windows 95.

Now I am planning on purchasing a new laptop for them from Dell.

I am planning on getting a laptop that has windows XP (they are not
good with computers, so I figure they are sort of used to xp, so why
change the interface on them)

The problem is that Dell always puts a bunch of software, etc that is
not needed, so I want to format the laptop when I get it and reinstall
windows xp onto it. (from my CD)

The problem is that I will not have a valid code to use. (since both
of mine are being used)

Since the laptop will be valid, is there a way for me to find out what
serial number is being used for the laptop, so that when I do the
format I can use that?

Thanks

Hold on a moment.

"Now I am planning on purchasing a new laptop for them from Dell.

I am planning on getting a laptop that has windows XP"

Why would you want to mess about if it is a new laptop and ocmes with
XP?

If it comes with Vista, why bother messing around with it? Your
parents, I assume, are even more grown up than you and are therefore
able to deal with the challenges of a picture of a flag instead of the
word "start" when they want to do something or shut down the
computer. Vista is horribly expensive unless OEM or you know where to
shop and I really don't understand why you are imposing XP on your
parents. It is reasonably intuitive because the "new" stuff is based
on Mac OSX Leopard..

They may prefer Vista in which case let them have it. If they don't
you can look at the problem afresh...even if it is only to tell them
that there are no XP drivers left and they have to put up with Blister
if they want to do anything!

Older people may worry more about food than computers...that does not
mean that they stupid. They just have the right priorities.

 

[BruceM]

Well I think he is entitled to do that if he wishes & I often do it myself
to reduce the crap ware like he said.
Back to the original poster.
The first thing is that it MUST be an OEM copy of XP. (Which it is if it's
Dell copy)
The reg number should be on the bottom of the laptop. If it's not then don't
buy it
There are a multitude of programs to determine the reg number anyway. Google
"jelly bean" for starters.
Just be aware that you will need to hunt down several drivers most likely.
(Dell website first choice)
Usual ones are network, sound, inf, video & utilities altho I usually leave
that one off.