Do I need to re-activate XP?

[Jeff]

I installed a new HD into my Dell laptop to replace a HD that had died. I
then re-installed XP Home using the OEM recovery CD that had originally come
with the laptop.

Do I need to re-activate XP? It seems to be working fine but I worry that
maybe it will suddenly stop working because it needs re-activation. How do
I find out?

Thanks.

 

[Guest]

your OEM recovery is most likely pre-activated.

is an activation issue arises you will need to contact DELL.

 

[Jeff]

Thanks.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I installed a new HD into my Dell laptop to replace a HD that had died. I
then re-installed XP Home using the OEM recovery CD that had originally come
with the laptop.

Do I need to re-activate XP? It seems to be working fine but I worry that
maybe it will suddenly stop working because it needs re-activation. How do
I find out?

Thanks.

OEM operating systems are typically either pre-activated at the
factory or are BIOS-locked and do not required activation as long as
they're installed on the computer with which they're sold.

The OS will let you know, with frequent (several times a day)
reminders, if you do need to activate. To check for yourself, Start >
All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Activate Windows.
Alternatively, Start > Run > "C:\Windows\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /A."
It will probably tell you that WinXP has already been activated.


--

Bruce Chambers

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[Jeff]

Thank you. No warnings, so it is probably activated. I will check as you
suggest.

 

[Alex Nichol]

I installed a new HD into my Dell laptop to replace a HD that had died. I
then re-installed XP Home using the OEM recovery CD that had originally come
with the laptop.

Do I need to re-activate XP? It seems to be working fine but I worry that
maybe it will suddenly stop working because it needs re-activation. How do
I find out?

Such a system is normally 'locked to the BIOS' of the motherboard. As
long as that is unchanged and you restore using the CD that came along,
the lock is retained, and there is no activation to arise