I swear I asked this question, or a question close to it a few months ago? I thought Stunna had an idea, but I don't think I liked it.

Anyway... My dad got a new laptop. Absolutely nothing special, but considering his Dell lasted him 7 years (and is still going), he doesn't need anything special.

He wants to give his old laptop away, but would prefer that the disk be wiped and a new install of XP be put on there. Problem is, he doesn't have the media, nor do I think it even came with XP media. Heck, his new laptop didn't.

I'd really like to wipe the disk clean, zero out the drive and reinstall XP. He has his XP key, on the bottom of the laptop. Do these manufacturers offer a download of the OS? I have a copy of XP Pro, but I am guessing that is tied to the key that came with the disk and can't be used?


And why don't they give out a copy of the friggin' OS with the machine? Makes no sense.

 

If you have a copy of XP Pro and the key on the laptop matches the type then yes you can use it. I'm guessing the laptop with the sticker is an OEM version. if your copy of XP pro is OEM then it will absolutely work fine.

Its not illegal to obtain the media since you have a key. I'm sure stunna or myself could make/link you to an ISO if the media you have is not OEM.

Also, there may be a program on the new laptop that will allow you to make backup discs. I would do so just in case you need to reload.

 

There may be a hidden partition to re-install the OS. There may be an option during the POST to hit some function key to access it.

 

I am quite sure my media is not OEM.

 

Does it matter if the laptop want with an install of XP vs. SP1 for the OEM install?

 

The problem with XP installation CDs is that more times than not the proper drivers aren't there. So you will need to hunt them down on the dell website. Be prepared for it to not have the proper NIC driver.

 

^ An XP install disc will be nothing more than the OS. You would need to reinstall all the drivers probably and there would no software at all that may have come preinstalled on the system.

Sometimes, there's a folder on C: named "dell" or "drivers" and it has the driver files also.

 

OK, so I can grab the drivers either off of Dell's site or the drive before wiping. That's no big deal...

 

I can have a download link for you in 30 mins.

 

RZA is the man!

 

At work right now.

 

No prob, i'll PM you a link to download it and you can decide whether you want it or not. Link is good for 21 days.

 

Also, even Dell machines that came with ME/2000 will accept a XP installation from a Dell XP disk. No activation required, etc.

 

Good point.

Scrib, I've actually got a Dell OEM XP disc too. That one would probably be easier as it won't ask for an install key or activation.

 

Oh how the tables have turned!!

actually with dells there's a folder in the root drive called dell that will have the drivers his PC needs.

Well I could do the samething I did before but just PM it to you instead. You're gonna need an OEM install disc to use the OEM key, there's no way around that.

 

Dell OEM or just OEM in general?

 

^^ Either will work, the Dell one just won't ask for key/activation.

 

The Dell OEM comes with all the Dell crapware too.

It' regular OEM. What do you need Home, Media Center or Pro?

 

Home

 

ok im working on it....

 

I have tons of Dell OEM Pro disks still sealed. If you need it I can mail you 1.

 

i took care of it

 

thanks all

 

Can you help me with reinstalling xp home on a old hp laptop? I have code key on laptop, but no disks to reinstall.

Would like to reinstall XP Pro on a Dell laptop as well.