Fresh install on Dell computer?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ChuckinSC
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ChuckinSC

My older Dell notebook computer has really gotten "gummed up" over time.
Using the recovery discs has only made things worse. Here's my question.
Can I start over from scratch by using a brand new, OEM version of XP, SP3?
Will MS accept a new registration/install even though Dell was the original
install?
 
In principle this is OK to do, but if the key you have is SP1 or earlier it
may not work with a SP3 CD. The only way to find out is to try. You don't say
if this is Home or Pro, but if it's Pro this page may help:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb457078.aspx

The keys here are for Pro only, and cannot be activated but will allow you
to install with an OEM CD which belongs to that model of computer. If
activation is required then you need to use your original key, or call the
activation number for advice.
 
My older Dell notebook computer has really gotten "gummed up" over time.  
Using the recovery discs has only made things worse.  Here's my question.  
Can I start over from scratch by using a brand new, OEM version of XP, SP3?  
Will MS accept a new registration/install even though Dell was the original
install?
Click to expand...

Yes, you will be able to do a "fresh" install of Windows XP with SP3
already integrated into it. However, you may have problems with the
original Dell XP CD Key.

Just make sure you use the same level of XP (Home or Pro.)
 
Thanks for the replies. I don't know whether the XP that's installed is SP1
or SP2, though I would guess it's SP2. I don't know because the OS isn't
part of the recovery discs and wasn't included as a "stand-alone". Would you
think that I could buy the OEM version (SP3), format the hdd and install? If
there was a problem with the serial number/code, would a call to MS clarify
the issue or would there actually be some hardware conflict?
 
Thanks for the replies. It's XP Home. I don't know whether it's SP1 or 2
because there is no OS disc - only the recovery. If I purchased the OEM XP,
SP3, and installed it - and there was a conflict with a key, would a call to
MS fix it? Or would there be something on the hdd that could make it
impossible to install the new OS?
 
Winver is a program which will tell you more about the OS.
Go to Start
Select Run
In the box, enter CMD
Then enter Winver

Or you could get the same information from www.belarc.com
Jim
 
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