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    used dell... want to reinstall OS but do have orignal OEM disc

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by mxl180, Aug 17, 2009.

  1. mxl180

    mxl180 Notebook Consultant

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    I bought a used dell and want to do a refresh of the OS.

    If I have a XP CD without a CD key. How would I activate XP on this dell? The laptop has the XP license sticker.
     
    mxl180, Aug 17, 2009
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  2. colsaunders2

    colsaunders2 Notebook Enthusiast

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    There is no need to activate Windows with the OEM disc - it contains a product key and certificate that matches up to the SLIC table in the BIOS. On the other hand, if you use the key on the sticker, you have to call MS to activate - they disabled internet activation due to piracy by resellers, etc.
     
    colsaunders2, Aug 18, 2009
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