Using Dell KEY but OEM or Retail CD?

[Hickersb]

OK. I lost Dell reinstall CD. But of course have the product key on the side of the machine.

I've searched, and mostly people are trying to do the opposite of what I'm trying.

Will the Dell key work with either a "generic" (non-branded) OEM or Retail XP install CD?

 

[Genx87]

Wont work with a retail cd, "might" work with an OEM disk. But I think with XP, Microsoft got into selling certain sets of keys to each OEM. All you can do is try it out and see if it works.

 

[Hickersb]

Originally posted by: Genx87
Wont work with a retail cd, "might" work with an OEM disk. But I think with XP, Microsoft got into selling certain sets of keys to each OEM. All you can do is try it out and see if it works.

heh, thats what I was thinking... Scared of going from slow machine that needs to be reinstalled to no working machine at all

 

[RebateMonger]

A "generic" OEM XP Install CD should let you install using the Dell COA Key. You won't be allowed to Activate online. You'll have to call Microsoft to get XP Activated.

But, why not just call Dell and ask for a new Install CD? If you are nice, they'll likely GIVE you one. Or charge a reasonable fee, which will guarantee a favorable outcome and will serve you well next time you have to re-install.

 

[KuJoe]

Tried my HP CD Key with both OEM and retail versions of XP MCE (and even 3 versions of XP Pro) with no luck. I've found it's either restore CD or new CD Key... if you find out something let me know.

 

[WobbleWobble]

Call Dell and explain that you need an XP CD. A few people I know have done it and Dell shipped the CDs for free.

 

[Hickersb]

Good idea w/ calling Dell... I'll do that. Dunno why I didn't think of that!

 

[Stonesoldier]

never had a problem myself useing oem or retail cd's or keys
key codes dont seem to matter as long as there legit
i use a XP home retail cd and a oem pro cd both slipstreamed w/ SP2 for all the repair jobs i do
as most people lose there cd but not there key code


also i do ONLY clean installs
which means writing zeros to the drive first then installing OS

 

[Gaorn]

yea i thought the key was tied to your hardware and type of xp install( like pro, home and etc..) not the actual cd so you could download an iso and burn a new one and as long as the major internals haven't changed it would boot right up.

 

[KuJoe]

When I tried using my HP (XP MCE) CD key with an OEM and retail version of XP MCE it wouldn't accept the CD key at all saying it was invalid. I used it on 3 versions of XP Pro and it would accept the key with the OEM version but it would keep asking for a 2nd CD, per instructions on various sites I would cancel and it would appear to install fine but when it booted up I would get a bunch of errors including the inability to access Control Panel or use "Run" from the start menu.

 

[Dooyas]

Bad luck on your part then. We have a 9 in 1 disc we use to install XP if customers have lost thier recovery discs. Most times the key will activate over the phone, if not a simple call to the MS 1-800 # gets us activated in about 5-10 mins.