Can I use another OEM cd for a clean install?

[Ed H]

I have OEM lic version of XP, but Dell did not provide a recovery disc.
Could I use another OEM CD from another Dell? Would this be a license
violation???

 

[Jose]

I have OEM lic version of XP, but Dell did not provide a recovery disc.
Could I use another OEM CD from another Dell? Would this be a license
violation???

I don't know about that, but Dell is always happy to send you a
replacement set of media:

https://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/en/backupcd_form

Somebody once told me they got theirs in only 2 days.

 

[Db]

sometimes disks are
not provided because
the necessary files are
located on the hard disk
in a special / hidden
partition.

however, the execution
of those files will usually
wipe the disk clean and
reinstall windows.

you can check your pc
manual or the home site
for the pc for the method
known as factory restore.

but you can double check
the operating system by
booting into safe mode.

if performance is better in
safe mode,

then you don't have to
reinstall the o.s.
revert the machine
back to the state it
left the compa

--
--
db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>

DatabaseBen, Retired Professional

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This NNTP newsgroup is evolving to:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/default.aspx

 

[DL]

Generally an oem, same sp version as origonal, from Dell can be used with
your key

 

[Daave]

I have OEM lic version of XP, but Dell did not provide a recovery
disc. Could I use another OEM CD from another Dell?
Yes.

Would this be a license violation???

No, provided it's for the same version of XP (e.g., Home or Pro). And
the good news is that because of System-Locked Preinstallation, there is
no need to enter a Product Key.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I have OEM lic version of XP, but Dell did not provide a recovery disc.
Could I use another OEM CD from another Dell?

Perhaps. Is it the same model of Dell computer, comprised of the same
internal components? This matters, as the device drivers may be built
into the Recovery disk and might not be the correct one for your
specific Dell.

Would this be a license
violation???

Not at all.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Daave]

Yes.

After reading Bruce's reply, I'd like to add that there is a difference
between a Dell XP reinstallation CD and a Dell Recovery CD. The latter
is only interchangeable if the model is the same, and yes, it contains
all the necessary drivers. The former is interchangeable across the
board, so you may use (virtually) any Dell XP reinstallation CD without
worry. However, once you install XP, you will need to install the
necessary drivers, which are available from the Dell website.

 

[Ed H]

Thanks everyone. We have all the media for apps and drivers but do not have
a copy of our OS (WinXP Home) on disk or partition. I want to try a recovery
install first.

Ed

 

[Daave]

Are you referring to a Repair Install? If so, this page should be
helpful:

http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

And this page is also required reading:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/917964

I ask because the term "recovery install" is not the one normally used
and it is unclear what you mean by that. Furthermore, your Subject Line
contains the term "clean install."

Finally, are you referring to a Dell XP Home reinstallation CD or a Dell
recovery CD (for a specific model)? If you are referring to the former,
it is capable of performing both a Repair Install (which should keep
your apps and data intact) or a Clean Install.

I am not too familiar with Dell recovery CDs. Typically, they return the
PC to its condition when it left the factory (which would be like wiping
the CD and performing a Clean Install)

Good luck!

P.S., What specific issues are you experiencing with this particular PC?
Depending on what they are, there may be a far quicker solution than a
Repair or Clean Install.

 

[Ed H]

Thanks for the tip to uninstall IE7 first, I didn't know that one. Sorry for
the language confusion. My daughter's Dell computer has some corrupt files.
This computer did not come with a OS cd or is there one on a partition
anywhere. I wanted to use a copy of my WinXP Home OEM cd to first try a
repair installation and if that fails, a clean install. We have all the
other media.

 

[Daave]

Sounds like a plan. Just make sure all her data is backed up first.
Also, it is a good idea to make a copy of the CD. There is no ethical
problem in doing this; the important thing is that you have a license to
run XP Home, which you clearly do. Good luck!

 

[Kernel]

Your 'WinXP Home OEM' will work if you use the key that came with that CD;
it will not work if you use your Home OEM CD
and the key code that came with the Dell.

 

[Daave]

Excellent point, Kernel.

In the original post, Ed wrote:

"Could I use another OEM CD from another Dell?"

If *that* is the "WinXP Home OEM" he is now referring to, then there is
no need to enter a Product Key (that is, if it a genuine Dell-branded
Windows XP Home Reinstallation CD).

Then again, if he is now talking about something else (a *generic* OEM
Windows XP Home installation CD), then, yes, he will need to enter the
Product Key on the COA sticker that is on the Dell PC.