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    Can I install my OEM XP on another Dell laptop?

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by icekoala, Mar 14, 2007.

  1. icekoala

    icekoala Notebook Guru

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    My wife got an old dell laptop with xp home OS, can I install my OEM xp pro on that machine? Is it required a new cd-key?

    Thanks
     
  2. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Legally, the OEM license is tied to the original computer forever. I kind of doubt it would work...
     
  3. Gautam

    Gautam election 2008 NBR Reviewer

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    If it does work, and you own the COA (product key) and you aren't using the same version on XP on two notebooks, I don't find any problem with it. Go ahead. You are more than likely to get XP not installing on the second notebook, but you can certainly try.
     
  4. schleeb

    schleeb Notebook Consultant

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    I thought as long as it "saw" a Dell motherboard it would install...
     
  5. icekoala

    icekoala Notebook Guru

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    Yes, that's why I am asking. When I was installing xp on my new laptop with the OEM xp disc, no key was required to proceed the installation.
     
  6. PhoenixFx

    PhoenixFx Notebook Virtuoso

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    You can definitely install, but not legal to run 2 copies of XP Pro on two PCs with a single license .
     
  7. mtor

    mtor Notebook Deity

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    SO if I buy a retail version of XP I can't install it on 2 machines? leagaly
     
  8. SoundsGood

    SoundsGood Notebook Virtuoso

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    I don't think he's asking if it's legal. I think he's asking if it can be done. ;)
     
  9. TheGriffin

    TheGriffin Notebook Consultant

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    I can safely assure you that you can install any Dell branded OS on any Dell system. This due to the VLK and manufacturer agreement between MS and hardware manufacturers.

    I currently have Windows Vista Ultimate Edition installed because my friend just purchased an XPS system and I was able to simply throw in the DVD and leave it there without any questions asked (CD Key, Config, etc.)

    All Dell branded OS CD's use 3 or 2 CD-Keys and if you look at two different machines you will see the same CD-Key.