reinstallation of windows xp home

[pheelix]

I am trying to reinstall windows xp home on a Dell
computer that belongs to somebody else. He lost the disk
that came with the computer. I tried to use his Product
Key (as listed on the side of the case) with my retail,
upgrade version of XP Home. I can't get past the page
that requires the Product Key. How can I reinstall the OS?
He owns a legal copy of the OS and I own a legal copy of
the OS - why can't I use my copy to fix his system? Feel
free to contact me by email at: pppatnode(removethis)
@hotmail.com or ppatnode(removethis)@neo.rr.com.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

One cannot use a "OEM Product Key" with a "Retail Version"
of Windows XP. You'll have to contact Dell support and request
a Dell Reinstallation CD replacement.

Welcome to Dell Support
http://support.dell.com/home.aspx

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

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

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


|I am trying to reinstall windows xp home on a Dell
| computer that belongs to somebody else. He lost the disk
| that came with the computer. I tried to use his Product
| Key (as listed on the side of the case) with my retail,
| upgrade version of XP Home. I can't get past the page
| that requires the Product Key. How can I reinstall the OS?
| He owns a legal copy of the OS and I own a legal copy of
| the OS - why can't I use my copy to fix his system? Feel
| free to contact me by email at: pppatnode(removethis)
| @hotmail.com or ppatnode(removethis)@neo.rr.com.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

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. Bottom line: Product Keys and CDs cannot be mixed &
matched. You have to have the specific type of installation CD for
which that license and Product Key was designed.

Tell your acquaintance to contact Dell to obtain a replacement CD.


Bruce Chambers
--
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