can I use a Dell XP serial with another disk ?

bitslice · 3 Nov 2008 at 21:45

the horrors of ebay...

trying to buy an XP disk for my sisters IBM laptop
1st seller - did a runner, paypal are sorting that one out for me :mad:

2nd seller - sent me a Dell disk :rolleyes:

...after pointing out that Dell disks do not install on IBM's (BIOS lock)
he sends me an opened Microsoft XP disk, but with no serial number

so currently I have a Dell-only (OEM?) disk with a serial number
and an opened Microsoft disk with no serial number

Can I use the microsoft disk with the Dell serial number ?

I'm assuming the sensible option is to reject both disks and be content with just banging my head on the wall

Brian Stuart · 3 Nov 2008 at 22:41

Buy an OEM copy of XP from a reputable seller ie not Ebay

AtaRo · 3 Nov 2008 at 22:55

Need serial search for this in the bay Laptop PC memory cover+ WIN Windows XP Home COA sticker

Memphis · 3 Nov 2008 at 22:56

And no, the Dell key will work only with Dell OEM media.

Brian Stuart · 3 Nov 2008 at 23:04

Memphis said:
And no, the Dell key will work only with Dell OEM media.

Not so. I have installed XP on Dell PC's using OEM media and the Dell serial key and the only issue is that it will not activate over the internet.

Snograt · 4 Nov 2008 at 01:54

Brian Stuart said:
Not so. I have installed XP on Dell PC's using OEM media and the Dell serial key and the only issue is that it will not activate over the internet.

Is that an intimation that it will activate via the phone?

Caged · 4 Nov 2008 at 02:13

Surely the laptop already has an XP license?

Brian Stuart · 4 Nov 2008 at 09:35

Snograt said:
Is that an intimation that it will activate via the phone?

Yes, provided it is a Dell product key on a Dell laptop/PC

bitslice · 6 Nov 2008 at 18:54

Brian Stuart said:
Yes, provided it is a Dell product key on a Dell laptop/PC

but the laptop is not a Dell, it's an IBM,
hence the problem

so I think the consensus is, that this is a 'sorry, won't work' ?

Thanks for the help guys