Lost Windows XP CD -- OK to use another?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Howard
  • Start date Start date
H

Howard

I have a PC, which came with Windows XP and the
Certificate of Authenticity (the sticker is still on the
PC).

I can no longer find the Windows XP CD.

My disk drive failed, I'm getting a new one (under
warranty from the manufacturer (Dell).

My question is -- is it permissible and/or possible to
borrow someone else's Windows XP CD, install that one on
my PC using the product key that's on the sticker on my
PC? Even though that other person's Windows XP CD was
already used on her PC?

Thank you very much.
 
You can only use a Windows XP CD that is identical to
the one you lost, otherwise your Product Key will not work
or you'll be unable to activate the XP installation.

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;[LN];326246

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

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

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


| I have a PC, which came with Windows XP and the
| Certificate of Authenticity (the sticker is still on the
| PC).
|
| I can no longer find the Windows XP CD.
|
| My disk drive failed, I'm getting a new one (under
| warranty from the manufacturer (Dell).
|
| My question is -- is it permissible and/or possible to
| borrow someone else's Windows XP CD, install that one on
| my PC using the product key that's on the sticker on my
| PC? Even though that other person's Windows XP CD was
| already used on her PC?
|
| Thank you very much.
 
Hello
The copy of XP that came with your computer is an OEM version distributed by
Dell and the key Code on the side of your puter is only good with the
original cd.

I believe your only options would be to contact Dell or go purchase a new
retail version, install it and store it in a safe place.

--
Hope This Helps
Haus
Not a MVP
Not a MS-MVP
Not nothing just a good ole boy..;)
 
Greetings --

Ask Dell to send along a new CD with the hard drive. Your Product
Key will most likely work only with one of Dell's OEM installation
CDs.

Bruce Chambers

--
Help us help you:




You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH
 
Thank you all for your suggestions.

I asked Dell previously if they would send me a new CD.
They said they would transfer me to Sales....

I guess I need to buy a full retail version.

And take much better care to not lose these!
 
Greetings --

The Dell Sales department would probably charge you a lot less for
a replacement CD (probably something like $10 - $20, plus shipping)
than a full retail license will cost. Would it hurt anything to ask
them? But it's your money and your choice.

Bruce Chambers

--
Help us help you:




You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH
 
Thanks. I did ask, and no, they would just sell me the
full retail version.

One last question -- say I buy the full version, and I
have a brand new disk drive (i.e., that won't boot up
since it has no operating system), how do I install
Windows? Does the PC boot up from the CD drive? That's
something I'm not familiar with (my other PCs are Windows
98, and they boot up from the floppy drive).

Appreciate any help. Thanks.
 
Visit NewEgg.com to get a great price for Windows XP.

HOW TO: Install Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;316941

Clean Install Windows XP
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Michael Stevens]

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

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

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


| Thanks. I did ask, and no, they would just sell me the
| full retail version.
|
| One last question -- say I buy the full version, and I
| have a brand new disk drive (i.e., that won't boot up
| since it has no operating system), how do I install
| Windows? Does the PC boot up from the CD drive? That's
| something I'm not familiar with (my other PCs are Windows
| 98, and they boot up from the floppy drive).
|
| Appreciate any help. Thanks.
 
If you can get access to an OEM WinXP CD, and you have a product ID on
the COA, you should be able to install WinXP and activate it>

Regards, hawk
 
Howard said:
I have a PC, which came with Windows XP and the
Certificate of Authenticity (the sticker is still on the
PC).

I can no longer find the Windows XP CD.

My disk drive failed, I'm getting a new one (under
warranty from the manufacturer (Dell).

My question is -- is it permissible and/or possible to
borrow someone else's Windows XP CD, install that one on
my PC using the product key that's on the sticker on my
PC? Even though that other person's Windows XP CD was
already used on her PC?

Thank you very much.
Click to expand...

You might be able to get a replacement CD from Dell, but if you know
someone with a Dell Windows XP CD, you can use that to restore your new
hard disk and use your COA Product ID in it. I have had success
restoring all types of Optiplex and a few Dimension machines with the
same Dell Windows CD, but I can't say for sure that any Dell CD will
work in any Dell machine. You will need a proper COA product key.

Of course, you'll need the Resource CD or a good Internet connection to
recover all your device drivers. Your Resource CD must support your
particular system. Older Resource CDs won't have the drivers for newer
models of Dell. Their web site explains which models are supported by
which resource CDs. The CD has a A0x code on it. Your friend's resource
CD may not work for your model, but the XP CD should.

You can sometimes find Dell OEM CDs on eBay. I wouldn't pay more than
ten bucks for a Dell OEM CD. Just my threshold. The sellers are simply
dumping the extra CDs that come with each Dell system. You only need to
keep a couple to restore any of a batch of identical machines.
 
hawk said:
If you can get access to an OEM WinXP CD, and you have a product ID on
the COA, you should be able to install WinXP and activate it>

Regards, hawk
Click to expand...

You don't read, do you?! It would *NOT* work. Unless the disc is the
specific one the COA on the chassis is assigned to, installation or
activation will *FAIL*. Read the replies from those more knowledgeable than
you before posting nonsense.
 
Bullshit!!!

hawk
You don't read, do you?! It would *NOT* work. Unless the disc is the
specific one the COA on the chassis is assigned to, installation or
activation will *FAIL*. Read the replies from those more knowledgeable than
you before posting nonsense.
Click to expand...
 
Back
Top