Activation Scenario

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rusty Shsckleford
  • Start date Start date
R

Rusty Shsckleford

OK, I got 2 Dell laptops, I messed up and got the home version on the first
one so I got a upgrade to Pro. The second one I went to do a clean install
of XP on using the upgrade disk from the first one. I always put a clean
install on OEM computers because they put allot of crap on the computer and
change default settings to god only knows what. I cannot use the Key from
the XP pro sticker on the laptop to install the XP pro OS. This seems like
it should be something I should be able to do .......So what's the problem?
I surly don't want to be stuck with the butchered version of XP
 
You can only use the Dell Product Key with the Dell CD
that came with your computer. You cannot use the Dell
Product Key with any CD other than the one that was
shipped with your computer.

If you are attempting to install XP Pro on both laptops,
then you'll need to purchase another XP Pro Product Key
for the second installation if you purchased a retail upgrade
version of XP Pro.

Additional Licenses for Windows XP Professional
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/addlic.asp

Go to Start > Run and type: WINVER , and hit enter.
Then click on "End-User License Agreement" for clarification.

You can also open XP's "Help and Support" and type: EULA
and hit enter. Click on "Questions and answers about the EULA".

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


| OK, I got 2 Dell laptops, I messed up and got the home version on the first
| one so I got a upgrade to Pro. The second one I went to do a clean install
| of XP on using the upgrade disk from the first one. I always put a clean
| install on OEM computers because they put allot of crap on the computer and
| change default settings to god only knows what. I cannot use the Key from
| the XP pro sticker on the laptop to install the XP pro OS. This seems like
| it should be something I should be able to do .......So what's the problem?
| I surly don't want to be stuck with the butchered version of XP
|
|
 
As Carey Frisch mentioned, the Dell product key will only work with
Dell OEM media.

However, that does not mean you have to buy another copy of XP. The
Dell installation CD is just a standard XP CD with a special
cmdlines.txt file to install Dell's junk. If you copy only the i386/
folder from the Dell CD to create a new Windows installation CD, you
can then use that new CD to do a clean (unbutchered) install of XP
using the Dell product key.

I know this works because I have done it; like you, I do not want all
that spurious OEM garbage.

- Pat
http://unattended.sourceforge.net/
 
That is Great!!!! Thanks for the info. I for the record think the whole
situation is very lame!! Just another example of certain companies telling
us to grab our ankles.
 
Greetings --

Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of
CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade) with which they are
purchased. For example, a WinXP Home OEM Product Key won't work for
any retail version of WinXP Home, or for any version of WinXP Pro, and
vice versa. An upgrade's Product Key cannot be used with a full
version CD, and vice versa. An OEM Product Key will not work to
install a retail product. An Italian Product Key will not work with
an English CD. Product Keys and CDs cannot be mixed & matched.


Bruce Chambers

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