CD key from my old dell

[FREELINE57]

Hey guys i have a question about a cd key that is on my old dell computer. Is it at all possible to install windows xp pro sp2 on a new build and activate it with the dell cd key? or do i have to use the reinstall cd that came with the dell computer? OR is it one of those try and see if it will work deals???? O buy the way the dell has been deactivated.

[freakitchen]

XP that has been pre-installed on a DELL (in fact, most, if not all pre-builts) cannot be installed on a custom build. They're tied to the original BIOS. You'll need to buy a new copy.

[FREELINE57]

so the cd key is no good on a new build?

[EzyStvy]

It's the key code that's tied to your OEM pc...

[glc]

You must buy a new copy. The Dell XP is only licensed to be used on a Dell computer. You do not own the software.

[chuck4456]

......... if you take two new builds, set them side by side. use the XP Pro reinstallation CD on one, and a MS copy on the other, they will do the exact same thing. Not one word about DELL will ever pop up. The XP Pro reinstallation CD has nothing to do with that DELL BIOS. That's all tied in with the APPLICATIONS and DRIVERS & UTILITIES CDs. That is YOUR copy of WINDOWS, regardless of where it came from. You have paid for it. In three different instances, I have done this for folks that retired their DELLs. Two XP Pro, one HE. You cannot use the system key. When you get to the activation screen, there will be an option to ACTIVATE BY PHONE. Click that and call the number you are given. You will talk to a MICROSOFT rep, not a DELL rep. They will issue you a new key. It's the same deal: As long as you are only using it on one PC, it doesn't matter if it was made bt DELL or Joe's Auto Salvage.

[glc]

Chuck, that is in violation of the EULA. A Dell OEM XP install is *ONLY* licensed to be used on a Dell computer - PERIOD. End of discussion.

- Admin -

[Negeva]

Originally Posted by glc Chuck, that is in violation of the EULA. A Dell OEM XP install is *ONLY* licensed to be used on a Dell computer - PERIOD. End of discussion. - Admin -

No offence intended here. I've replaced motherboards on Dell machine's before and have been forced to re-activate. And M$ have been happy to issue a new activation code over the phone once it's been explained that the old motherboard had died.

So is this a case that Dell have 're-writen' or amended M$ EULA for it's machines?

[glc]

There is a BIG difference between a motherboard replacement on a Dell - and trying to reuse the Dell license on a new build! The first case is legal and legitimate, the second case is definitely NOT.

[FREELINE57]

Oooops!!! i'm sorry guys i did not mean to start a controversey here. Let's end this thread!

[chuck4456]

Well, I guess that makes me a pirate then. I'll keep looking out the kitchen window for black Ford sedans whipping in my driveway.
I will not encourage anyone to attempt to use their DELL CD key with a reinstall on anything other than a DELL, ever again. At no time did I ever feel that there was anything done that was illegal or unethical. If you have paid for a piece of property, it's yours outright as I see it. I should note that no one at MS ever questioned my authorization requests. I am sure that I told them exactly what I used. That is irresponsibility on MS's part.
I did, however, violate code here at the forum. I sincerely apologize for that. FREELINE, I suggest that you purchase a copy of WINDOWS. My apologies to you as well. I'm staying away from OS Activation threads from now on.

[glc]

Well, I guess that makes me a pirate then.

Yep.

If you have paid for a piece of property, it's yours outright as I see it.

The installation of Windows on a Dell is *NOT* a piece of property that you bought. Microsoft still owns it. You have bought a license to use it as per their terms (EULA). This EULA plainly states that it may only be used on the Dell computer that it shipped with. Period. Thread closed.