I have a Del laptop and was not supplied with the Windows XP Home disk by Dell. Now I want to reinstall Windows XP Home after formatting my hard drive. Can I use a Windows XP Home disk from someone else and use the product key that is stuck to my computer and install the OS on my laptop ?
2006-11-28 14:26:26 · 6 answers · asked by @Bloom 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
If the other win xp cd is also came with another computer(that means it is also OEM version), then you will not be able to do it.
However, if you use the same product key as in that cd, you might give a try. Still not guaranteed in such OEM version operating systems.
2006-11-28 14:31:53 · answer #1 · answered by observer 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your Dell came with a "hidden" partition for restore and recovery; AND you did NOT read your users manual.
IT TELLS you to make a set of restore discs, which you apparently failed to do.
IF you just used the "format" command, AND have NOT done anything since, you might be able to use "unformat" to recover things, OR if you just formatted the C: drive, the hidden partiton MAY still be available.
As to using the other disc, you MIGHT be able to do a "repair" from it, which should NOT require the "key". Using YOUR key with a DIFFERENT disc most likely will NOT work, as each disc has its own specific key.
2006-11-28 15:21:31 · answer #2 · answered by f100_supersabre 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can try it but its not guaranteed to work. Sometimes you can do this and sometimes not - its kind of hit and miss. The Windows installer will probably know that your key is a Dell OEM key, and it is not a Dell OEM disk, and might not play well.
2006-11-28 14:28:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your laptop should have a recovery partition that allows you to restore the OS. However, I've heard that if you call Dell tech support and tell them the recovery partition isn't working, they'll send you CDs with the OS, drivers, etc. at no charge.
2006-11-28 14:39:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as the product you are installing is the same as the product you have the key for, it will install. The disks themselves are not coded with a specific key. All XP pro keys work with any XP Pro install disk, Windows MCE w W MCE disk, XP Home edn. with XP Home edn. , etc.
2016-05-23 00:04:33 · answer #5 · answered by Charmaine 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can try......! I can give you a link that deals with hard drive problems.
Some RAM/hard drive problems can be easily fixed yourself by using easily available tools. I found the info at http://fixit.in useful. Try this site, if you can get what is required.
2006-11-29 12:32:40 · answer #6 · answered by RICH 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋