License questions

[Guest]

I have a Dell with pre-installed Windows XP. I was re-installing Windows,
loaded the boot disks, no problem. I have a recovery disk that installs
Windows XP w/SP2 up until the point where you must supply a license. So I
typed in the original # on the side and I got a "non-valid license" window.
Can I fix this?

 

[Patrick Keenan]

I have a Dell with pre-installed Windows XP. I was re-installing Windows,
loaded the boot disks, no problem. I have a recovery disk that installs
Windows XP w/SP2 up until the point where you must supply a license. So I
typed in the original # on the side and I got a "non-valid license"
window.
Can I fix this?

Be sure that you typed the number in correctly. This is the most common
cause of this.

The stickers can be hard to read, and easy to mistake some characters, for
example 8 for B. I usually get really good light and carefully copy the
license down, then type it in.

If it doesn't work, you'll need to contact Dell.

HTH
-pk

 

[Rock]

I have a Dell with pre-installed Windows XP. I was re-installing Windows,
loaded the boot disks, no problem. I have a recovery disk that installs
Windows XP w/SP2 up until the point where you must supply a license. So I
typed in the original # on the side and I got a "non-valid license"
window.
Can I fix this?

Normally reinstalling with the recovery CD that came with the computer does
not require the license number be entered. It's BIOS locked to the
motherboard so it's preactivated. The product key on the sticker normally
works with a generic OEM XP installation CD.

So are you leaving out some info? Did you change the motherboard or perhaps
you are you using a recovery CD that didn't come with this computer?

 

[Guest]

Normally reinstalling with the recovery CD that came with the computer does
not require the license number be entered. It's BIOS locked to the
motherboard so it's preactivated. The product key on the sticker normally
works with a generic OEM XP installation CD.

So are you leaving out some info? Did you change the motherboard or perhaps
you are you using a recovery CD that didn't come with this computer?

 

[Malke]

Yes, wrong move. Use the Dell disk. If you have lost it, call Dell for
replacement. The alternative is to find a local computer shop (not a
BigComputerStore/GeekSquad type of place) and pay them to reinstall
Windows for you. Most computer shops (like mine) have a large collection
of XP installation disks and they will undoubtedly have one from Dell.
The other alternative is for you to purchase a full retail copy of XP
which will naturally come with its own Product Key. This will be more
expensive than either of the other alternatives I suggested.

Don't forget to use the Dell Resource CD to install all the drivers
after the operating system is installed. If you don't have the Resource
CD, go to Dell's tech support site for your specific model machine and
download the drivers.


Malke

 

[Rock]

Yep. Use a generic OEM XP installation CD or see the suggestions Malke gave
you. Good luck.