A Dell XP Home SP2 CD, can I use it to install XP on a Dell with a valid XP Home SP1 license?

I know I tried to do it with an IBM but it didn't work, this is an OS install disc not a restore CD; I'm pretty much wondering if it'll just check that it's a dell and OK it without having to input a product key


If not... can anyone point me to a place where I can procure a CLEAN copy of a dell OEM XP install CD?

 

Yes.

After it installs, when it asks you to activate, use the telephone option and change the serial # to the one that's on the case, then go back and do online activation.

 

Even if the keys are for SP1 vs SP2?

I had done the telephone activation routine many moons ago, is all that's required to put in the key?

 

yes and yes. i've done it countless times.

 

If these are the Windows XP cd's that come from Dell ( Dell insig on cd ) You can install them on another DELL machine without being prompted for the activation code.
During installation it does some verification on BIOS to see if its a Dell machine.

Now if you take that same Cd and load it on an IBM it'll prompt for serial key etc..
If you need Win XP SP2 Pro let me know. I have a crap load of those disc's laying around.

 

that too, i have image files of oem sp2, oem sp2 w/ sata drivers & sp2 multiboot

 

You can use any Pro CD as long as the serial you use has been used on the same computer before. Should work flawlessly.

If you are trying to use a serial previously used on another computer, you are going to have to call MS about it.

They have some thing where you can only change out so many parts of a computer before you have to re activate Windows, so they know your not scamming them.

I also have lots of the MS OS's as ISO's, let me know if you need one.

 

We get those disks with every Dell we get at work (the green disk?). They work on any other dell without even prompting for activation. They work on non-Dells as well, but you will need a valid serial.

 

serials are not tied to the service pack version.
a dell oem cd & serial should work on most other Dells.
oem, retal, or corporate/vlk keys are not interchangable

 

I also got the purple one which includes SP3.

oh and xp 32/64 & vista 32/ 64bit.