Windows Pro C.O.A. Question

[Don]

I have a Dell Latitude D510 with Windows XP Pro SP2 installed. It's used and
the machine didn't come with a restore disk, and there is no restore
partition. But the COA sticker is attached to the bottom of the machine. I
have an OEM copy of Windows XP Pro with SP2. If I have to reinstall the
operating system, can I use the OEM version and use the laptop's COA to
activate Windows? I realize that I may have to hunt down drivers such as
WiFi and sound if they aren't included with my OEM copy.

Thanks

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I have a Dell Latitude D510 with Windows XP Pro SP2 installed. It's used
and the machine didn't come with a restore disk, and there is no restore
partition. But the COA sticker is attached to the bottom of the
machine. I have an OEM copy of Windows XP Pro with SP2. If I have to
reinstall the operating system, can I use the OEM version and use the
laptop's COA to activate Windows? I realize that I may have to hunt
down drivers such as WiFi and sound if they aren't included with my OEM
copy.

Thanks

Yes, you can do it that way. As long as the Product Key is for an OEM
license of WinXP Pro, and you use a generic, unbranded OEM CD for WinXP
Pro, regardless of service pack level, it will work. You wouldn't be
able to use a Recovery CD from another manufacturer, though.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Bob I]

Should work, as long as the drivers are collected for installation. Get
them from Dell's site with the service tag number on the bottom of the
machine

 

[Jose]

I have a Dell Latitude D510 with Windows XP Pro SP2 installed. It's used and
the machine didn't come with a restore disk, and there is no restore
partition. But the COA sticker is attached to the bottom of the machine.  I
have an OEM copy of Windows XP Pro with SP2.  If I have to reinstall the
operating system, can I use the OEM version and use the laptop's COA to
activate Windows?  I realize that I may have to hunt down drivers such as
WiFi and sound if they aren't included with my OEM copy.

Thanks

Assume it doesn't work. What would you do?

Before reinstalling, I would use this tool also to view licensing info
and print the results:

http://magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

Dell is happy to provide you a mechanism for ordering a set of CDs. I
have heard rumors the first set is no charge:

https://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/en/backupcd_form

 

[Twayne]

In

Should work, as long as the drivers are collected for
installation. Get them from Dell's site with the service
tag number on the bottom of the machine

Right. Just make sure the installed OEM is the same version as the other OEM
disk. e.g. both are Home, both are Pro, not one Home and one Pro.

HTH,

Twayne`

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Dell was /required/ to provide a way to reinstall Windows. If the computer
didn't come with a set of disks, there /will/ be a hidden Recovery partition
(unless you wiped it). Contact Dell Support.