Legally Installing XP?

  • Thread starter Thread starter opensky42
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opensky42

Hello. I recently purchased a used Dell PC, as a secondary computer for my
household. It turned out that the hard drive was bad, and I need to get a new
one. This computer did not come with any disks, but it does have a original
sticker on the side with the product number for its copy of windows XP. My
question is, can I install my copy of Windows XP from my other computer on
this one, and change the registration # to match the OS that was originally
installed on it? When you buy a used computer, does the OS legally convey
with it as long as it was not installed on another computer by the first
owner? as far as the no disks issue goes, my primary computer, which I
purchased new, did not come with any disks...It came already installed, and I
had to make my own backup copies. Any help on this issue would be greatly
appreciated.
 
opensky42 said:
I recently purchased a used Dell PC, as a secondary computer
for my household. It turned out that the hard drive was bad, and I
need to get a new one. This computer did not come with any disks,
but it does have a original sticker on the side with the product
number for its copy of windows XP. My question is, can I install my
copy of Windows XP from my other computer on this one, and change
the registration # to match the OS that was originally installed on
it? When you buy a used computer, does the OS legally convey with
it as long as it was not installed on another computer by the first
owner? as far as the no disks issue goes, my primary computer,
which I purchased new, did not come with any disks...It came
already installed, and I had to make my own backup copies. Any help
on this issue would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

First - call Dell - see how much a replacement CD might cost *if* you can
get one from them.

Second - your idea might work if the copy of Windows XP you have is a pure
OEM version - not one modified for a particular computer make/model. Given
your description of having to 'make your own backups' - the answer is *no*.
 
If you look for an i386 folder and burn this to CD, it may provide a means of
reinstalling, along with a DOS7 (Win95/98 DOS) boot floppy or CD.

Do:

d: (or CD driveletter)
cd /i386
winnt

The service-pack level must be the same on both machines, or the key will
not work. (Label should say nothing/sp1/sp2)
 
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