Trying to re-install windows, NEED HELP!!!

[Guest]

I want to preface this post by saying please only help me. I am aware of how
I screwed up and how stupid I am (read on and you'll see what I mean) and
right now I just need some help fixing my computer.

I have a Dell Dimension 3000. Everything was fine until a series of events
(just don't ask) lead me to seek the help of an aquaintance to perform some
changes on my computer. The changes were made several months ago, I have not
had an active internet connection on this computer until recently (just set
up a wireless network) and just the other day got a message saying that my
version of Windows was conterfeit.

I quickly took action to get the faulty OS off my computer so I went to get
a backup Windows disk from my dad's house. I just assumed the disk was mine
and installed Windows XP again, what I didn't know is that Dell stopped
sending out hard copies of backup CD's almost two years ago. Now I am
apparently supposed to re-install Windows through the system restore feature,
which is useless because the version of XP that came on this computer was
wiped out when my friend installed the counterfeit version.

My real problem is that now, after I have installed a legitimate version of
windows (albeit from my dad's backup disk) I need to also activate Windows
with a 25 character product key. The only valid product key is from my dad's
computer, but I don't want to pirate his key and the validation system won't
accept mine. I am trying desperately to get Dell to send me a backup disk so
I can re-install Windows XP (again) and get my computer back to how it used
to be. I figured I'd post on the forums first because Dell tends to suck
with customer support and I only have 30 days to validate this version of
Windows.

So I have two questions:

1) Is there some easier way to get a backup/re-install disk of Windows XP
Home Edition since I already had it on this computer but now just need to get
it back (and I'd like to not have to shell out $150)?

2) What would happen if I used the product key from my dad's computer
(remember I got the re-install disk from him) to validate Windows on my
machine? Would it even work, or would it in-validate both machines?

PLEASE HELP ME!!! I really don't steal computer software, but now I'm in
trouble and have no idea how to save myself without emptying my wallet for
something that my computer came with in the first place.

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

See below.

I want to preface this post by saying please only help me. I am aware of how
I screwed up and how stupid I am (read on and you'll see what I mean) and
right now I just need some help fixing my computer.

I have a Dell Dimension 3000. Everything was fine until a series of events
(just don't ask) lead me to seek the help of an aquaintance to perform some
changes on my computer. The changes were made several months ago, I have not
had an active internet connection on this computer until recently (just set
up a wireless network) and just the other day got a message saying that my
version of Windows was conterfeit.

I quickly took action to get the faulty OS off my computer so I went to get
a backup Windows disk from my dad's house. I just assumed the disk was mine
and installed Windows XP again, what I didn't know is that Dell stopped
sending out hard copies of backup CD's almost two years ago. Now I am
apparently supposed to re-install Windows through the system restore feature,
which is useless because the version of XP that came on this computer was
wiped out when my friend installed the counterfeit version.

Select your friends more carefully.

My real problem is that now, after I have installed a legitimate version of
windows (albeit from my dad's backup disk) I need to also activate Windows
with a 25 character product key. The only valid product key is from my dad's
computer, but I don't want to pirate his key and the validation system won't
accept mine. I am trying desperately to get Dell to send me a backup disk so
I can re-install Windows XP (again) and get my computer back to how it used
to be. I figured I'd post on the forums first because Dell tends to suck
with customer support and I only have 30 days to validate this version of
Windows.

Your current installation, based on your father's CD and key, is
probably doomed because it's a different version from the one
you had there originally.

So I have two questions:

1) Is there some easier way to get a backup/re-install disk of Windows XP
Home Edition since I already had it on this computer but now just need to get
it back (and I'd like to not have to shell out $150)?

You need to get the recovery CD from Dell in order to launch
the restore process. It will rebuild your system from a hidden
partition on your disk (unless your friend wiped it).

2) What would happen if I used the product key from my dad's computer
(remember I got the re-install disk from him) to validate Windows on my
machine? Would it even work, or would it in-validate both machines?

If your dad's key is registered then your validation attempt will
be rejected. If your dad's key is not registered then your attempt
will be successful but your relationship with your dad will suffer.

 

[GHalleck]

I want to preface this post by saying please only help me. I am aware of how
I screwed up and how stupid I am (read on and you'll see what I mean) and
right now I just need some help fixing my computer.

I have a Dell Dimension 3000. Everything was fine until a series of events
(just don't ask) lead me to seek the help of an aquaintance to perform some
changes on my computer. The changes were made several months ago, I have not
had an active internet connection on this computer until recently (just set
up a wireless network) and just the other day got a message saying that my
version of Windows was conterfeit.

I quickly took action to get the faulty OS off my computer so I went to get
a backup Windows disk from my dad's house. I just assumed the disk was mine
and installed Windows XP again, what I didn't know is that Dell stopped
sending out hard copies of backup CD's almost two years ago. Now I am
apparently supposed to re-install Windows through the system restore feature,
which is useless because the version of XP that came on this computer was
wiped out when my friend installed the counterfeit version.

My real problem is that now, after I have installed a legitimate version of
windows (albeit from my dad's backup disk) I need to also activate Windows
with a 25 character product key. The only valid product key is from my dad's
computer, but I don't want to pirate his key and the validation system won't
accept mine. I am trying desperately to get Dell to send me a backup disk so
I can re-install Windows XP (again) and get my computer back to how it used
to be. I figured I'd post on the forums first because Dell tends to suck
with customer support and I only have 30 days to validate this version of
Windows.

So I have two questions:

1) Is there some easier way to get a backup/re-install disk of Windows XP
Home Edition since I already had it on this computer but now just need to get
it back (and I'd like to not have to shell out $150)?

2) What would happen if I used the product key from my dad's computer
(remember I got the re-install disk from him) to validate Windows on my
machine? Would it even work, or would it in-validate both machines?

PLEASE HELP ME!!! I really don't steal computer software, but now I'm in
trouble and have no idea how to save myself without emptying my wallet for
something that my computer came with in the first place.

Of course, the irony of this situation is that the original
Windows XP version might not even be counterfeit in the first
place. All one needs to understand is the way the major OEM's,
such as Dell, installs the operating system into the computer.

A couple of things to do. First, put your acquaintance, if not
oresently an ex, to work. The recovery partition may still be
on the hard drive of the Dell computer. Retrieve it when the
computer first boots up. There should be instructions on how
to perform the recovery. The legitimate Product Key to use is
the one that is stuck on the back or side of the computer. But
if there is no recovery partition, then get a recovery disc from
Dell...it will cost about $10.

This should return the computer to the same condition when it
shipped from the factory. For future reference, never allow
Windows to do automatic updates. Always verify and approve what
updates are being installed. This sorry situation of WGA and
WGA-Notification was the consequence of Microsoft foisting it
on to the unwary user as a "critical" update, starting in early
June. The reason why WGA(N) declared the OS as illegitimate is
due to the Product Key Dell uses for mass-installing Windows XP
from an image file, and this scenario repeats for other major
OEM brands as well.

 

[HeyBub]

I want to preface this post by saying please only help me. I am
aware of how I screwed up and how stupid I am (read on and you'll see
what I mean) and right now I just need some help fixing my computer. [...]
PLEASE HELP ME!!! I really don't steal computer software, but now
I'm in trouble and have no idea how to save myself without emptying
my wallet for something that my computer came with in the first place.

I'm sure your friend will do whatever it takes to correct the problem, even
if it means buying a pristine copy of XP for you. That's what friends do.

 

[dspctech]

Hi,

First of all i'm assuming your friend formatted your entire hard drive
during the XP Pro installation process and the Dell recovery partition
has been erased.

If your Dell Dimension came with Windows XP Home pre-loaded then
you'll have a COA sticker with 25 character key somewhere on the
case.

Assuming your dad has a generic or Dell OEM version of XP Home it
should install with your key and if it doesn't activate online select
the activate by phone option, call the toll free number, they only ask
a few questions, no personal details and they will issue a new
activation code.
If however your dad's version of XP is tied to an OEM other than Dell
i.e. Gateway don't try the above it probably won't work.

The other options are go to a computer hardware store and buy an OEM
version of XP Home, it'll come with it's own key and will install and
activate fine.
Or Phone Dell and tell them you've formatted your hard drive and need
a set of recovery CDs or DVD, they'll send them to you, for a price
and you should be able to recover your system to an "out of the
box" state.
Or try and borrow another OEM version of XP, not a recovery or backup
CD and not tied to a particular manufacturer, install and activate
with your key.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I want to preface this post by saying please only help me. I am aware of how
I screwed up and how stupid I am (read on and you'll see what I mean) and
right now I just need some help fixing my computer.

I have a Dell Dimension 3000. Everything was fine until a series of events
(just don't ask) lead me to seek the help of an aquaintance to perform some
changes on my computer. The changes were made several months ago, I have not
had an active internet connection on this computer until recently (just set
up a wireless network) and just the other day got a message saying that my
version of Windows was conterfeit.

I quickly took action to get the faulty OS off my computer so I went to get
a backup Windows disk from my dad's house. I just assumed the disk was mine
and installed Windows XP again, what I didn't know is that Dell stopped
sending out hard copies of backup CD's almost two years ago. Now I am
apparently supposed to re-install Windows through the system restore feature,
which is useless because the version of XP that came on this computer was
wiped out when my friend installed the counterfeit version.

My real problem is that now, after I have installed a legitimate version of
windows (albeit from my dad's backup disk) I need to also activate Windows
with a 25 character product key. The only valid product key is from my dad's
computer, but I don't want to pirate his key and the validation system won't
accept mine. I am trying desperately to get Dell to send me a backup disk so
I can re-install Windows XP (again) and get my computer back to how it used
to be. I figured I'd post on the forums first because Dell tends to suck
with customer support and I only have 30 days to validate this version of
Windows.

So I have two questions:

1) Is there some easier way to get a backup/re-install disk of Windows XP
Home Edition since I already had it on this computer but now just need to get
it back (and I'd like to not have to shell out $150)?

You might be able to obtain an unbranded, generic OEM CD and use your
OEM Product Key; that should work. Try second-hand computer shops or
maybe even eBay (There are always Dell OEM CDs being illegally sold
there, which migh actually work to your advantage, this once.) In fact,
as long as you use your on Product Key, you might even be able to
borrow/copy a generic OEM CD from a friend. It's the Product Key that
represents the license, after all, not the actual CD.

2) What would happen if I used the product key from my dad's computer
(remember I got the re-install disk from him) to validate Windows on my
machine? Would it even work, or would it in-validate both machines?

That depends upon what specific type of installation CD your father
has. If it's an OEM CD, then your Product Key would work with it.



--

Bruce Chambers

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