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    Used Dell with XP license sticker ...how can I activate

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' 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. Trottel

    Trottel Notebook Virtuoso

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    I think you need to find a Dell Windows XP CD. The CD key on my friend's Dell with XP had one less digit than the regular CD keys so they were incompatible when I tried. I might be wrong though and it had one digit rubbed off. Take a look for yourself.
     
    Trottel, Aug 17, 2009
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  3. qhn

    qhn Notebook User

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    If your XP CD is retail and the same version as the one stated on the notebook, you can install it and use the key on the notebook to activate.

    cheers ...
     
    qhn, Aug 18, 2009
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  4. LIVEFRMNYC

    LIVEFRMNYC Blah Blah Blah!!!

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    Use jellybean or Belarc to find the actually key. I think the key on the sticker isn't the key that you need to use. Not exactly sure though.
     
    LIVEFRMNYC, Aug 18, 2009
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  5. jb1007

    jb1007 Full Customization

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    You need to call Dell. Speak to tech support, give them the cd key and service tag on the bottom of the laptop and they will ship you out an xp sp3 cd. You can't use another disc with the key at the bottom of the laptop.
     
    jb1007, Aug 18, 2009
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