will a non-dell xp pro intatllation disk work to reinstall a dell computer?

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mbreslin1954

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Nov 27, 2010
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t will if the installation disc is the EXACT same version of the operating that came with the computer and you can read the license key from the sticker on your Dell. For instance, if the computer came with XP Pro with no service pack and you install from a disc with XP Pro with Service Pack 1, or XP Pro with Service Pack 2, or XP Pro with Service Pack 3 included, then it will not activate with the license key. Windows XP license keys are specific to the version and the service pack level. So your install disc must be not only the same operating system version, i.e., Windows XP Professional, but it must also be the same Service Pack level.

I have had this problem before, when Dell computers running Windows XP (both Home and Pro) have either been given to me to keep or to repair. I first try a disc with XP-with-no-service-pack, and if Windows fails to authenticate ("this key is not valid" or something similar), then I have to re-install all over again with a disc with XP-with-service-pack1. If that fails I continue on up the line until I get to XP-with-service-pack3. It's painful, but it's the way Microsoft designed their XP license keys.
 
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