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Thread ID: 86032	2007-12-31 22:08:00	When is a Dell not a Dell???	RusEvo (3572)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
626199	2008-01-03 09:37:00	the window cd's from dell are locked to dell bios sadly.... It must depend on the system, because my Dell XP cd installs on non dell computers. It however needs a key on non dell computers but doesn't need a key for the dell computer. My cd is an actual xp install disk, and not a restore disk. I suspect on some of their cheaper models they only give restore disks. It also could be that I got XP pro, and not the basic version.	robbyp (2751)
626200	2008-01-03 09:44:00	Thats interesting RobbyP, I never needed to get the key form Microsoft when installing the disk on the Dell!!!! But your wrong about them only providing the restore disk on cheaper dells, my dell was the cheapest one ever and I think I got hte full XP CD.......that was Aussie Dell of a few years ago though.	RusEvo (3572)
626201	2008-01-03 10:52:00	OK people. Windows has installed nicely on the new setup.....however it would not take my activation code & I have 30 days to get that from Microsoft. So as long as I get that sorted you could say the dell CD just works. Cool! Activating shouldnt be a problem, just be honest when you call them; only happening as you have changed the machine substantially and the OEM licence is quite strict (as I've found); you could wait for six months, I've heard M$ clear their activation servers then :rolleyes::lol::lol::lol:. By the way, have you upgraded your power supply unit (as the Dell one was probably only enough for your original setup (possibly only 250 watts or so)), would advise bigger if not.	feersumendjinn (64)
626202	2008-01-03 11:08:00	Yeah I did get a new PSU. The only parts of the original Dell now are the case & keyboard. All & need is an old case, keyboard & mouse & I can put together the old dell as a new computer with 120 gig of storage and perhaps another TV card so I can record two shows at once!!!	RusEvo (3572)
626203	2008-01-03 20:52:00	All & need is an old case, keyboard & mouse & I can put together the old dell as a new computer with 120 gig of storage and perhaps another TV card so I can record two shows at once!!! You will have to install Linux if you re-build it - you can only use your XP key on one computer at a time.	Greven (91)
626204	2008-01-03 21:44:00	Well I was wanting to try Ubuntu. But it depend if it actually asks you for a key when installing on a dell.....I am not sure they ask you to authenticate....they never did before.	RusEvo (3572)
626205	2008-01-03 21:50:00	Most laptops / desktops, that came with an OS pre-installed dont need a key. Its only because you changed the mobo, it does now. And because you've got an XP cd (which didnt come with the Dell). It needs the key, and needs to be activated.	Speedy Gonzales (78)
626206	2008-01-03 22:11:00	The nice automated robot at microsoft was happy to oblige me.....I am activated.	RusEvo (3572)
626207	2008-01-03 22:19:00	It will not require a key to install on your old computer, but when you activate it again, it will deactivate windows on your new computer. Ubuntu is a good idea - it is always interesting to play round with something different to what you are used to. Tux Racer beats the pants off the default windows games :)	Greven (91)
626208	2008-01-04 01:18:00	Thats interesting RobbyP, I never needed to get the key form Microsoft when installing the disk on the Dell!!!! But your wrong about them only providing the restore disk on cheaper dells, my dell was the cheapest one ever and I think I got hte full XP CD.......that was Aussie Dell of a few years ago though. I did say 'I suspect', which doesn't mean that it is a fact, it was just a possibility. Other brands use restore disks, and I don't know about newer dells. Mine is a 3 year old laptop, so a lot may have changed in the way they now build computers since I purchased it.	robbyp (2751)
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