XP Pro disk: Gift or Coaster?

[johnw]

A couple of weeks ago at work I was given a brand spankin' new Dell with XP Pro installed. Apparently, the XP installation was done from a disk other than the one that came with the machine because the IT guy who did it gave me the sealed package that came with the pc and said "Here, this is yours". Naturally, I opened it and in there, was the XP installation disk, still sealed, of course, with a warning sticker on it saying that this was for installation on a new Dell pc, only. On top of the tower of the pc I got is a sticker with another number, which I forgot what it's called, but I'm sure you XP guru's out there know what that is. At the book store today I picked up a mag on XP and got the jist that installation of XP involves not just the product code on the disk but some other number that is derived from the configuration of the pc that is actually receiving the new install. I also understand that there is some sort of verification that has to be done online or on the phone to MS. My question is this: is it possible for me to use the XP installation disk on a new build that I'm planning, or with all these numbers involved, will the validation (registration?) process with MS fail? And, are there 3 numbers involved in the installtion process (the no. on the disk, the no. on the sticker, the no. derived from the hardware configuration)? Thanks for your help!

[sleddog]

Using that CD to install XP on another machine is illegal as it would contravene the license agreement. Such discussions are expressly forbidden here. Sorry.

[Rick]

NO!!

the XP disk you were given is Brand coded
it will Only work on a DEll system.
it checks the bios for the dell ID.

The code in XP for the dell is already in the files and does not require you to contact dell or MS.

if you have a problem you would use that XP disk to reinstall the O/S
The use the other Dell disks to install the extras included with your system

The other numbers on the system are for dell use only
Not MS or the O/S

[Fruss Tray Ted]

Don't ask why...

'Brand Spankin' you got some backup disks for a preloaded OS and softwares. Now to determine if they are full versions or something relying on a secret partition on your hard-drive (never mind 'phone homes'!).

1st? How many CD's did you get? What are the labels? Please, no alphanumeric key codes but what you got with your pc... cd's, manuals,,,

The 'To be distributed with' and 'only used with' CD's are usually genuine full install OS'es. (Edited: If you own'em, use'em!) (Am I Band (http://theband.hiof.no/band_pictures/the_band_shadow_gimp.jpg) Now?)

Edit: If you install onto various pc's, you'll probably just end up paying multiple times for what you already bought. Just a reminder from Microsu**!!!

[Steve]

Gift or coaster? Definatly not a coaster.

If the "product key" on the wrapping of this disk is different from the one on the top of the tower at work, I'd say you got a gift.

If you're gonna build a machine anyway, give it a try.

A sealed disk, with a unique product key, not installed on any other machine? I doubt that there will be a problem...

[Budfred]

I have one of those disks that came with my Dell laptop at work and there are 2 reasons that I wouldn't try using it.

1. I like my job. If I use it and my work were to find out, it would be grounds for dismissal - they own it of course. Given that it is Win2000Pro, it is highly unlikely that they would, but I wouldn't want to take the risk. With WinXP and all the stuff they do to track it, the chances are good that they would find out; how would your work take it?

2. I am pretty certain that I would not be able to use it on any machine other than a Dell without some major hacking and I don't know how to do that.

And why not a third reason: if I really want XP, I can get an OEM version for a little under $100 for the home version. Is it really worth the hassle of 1 and 2 to save $100?

Budfred

[johnw]

Thanks, everyone. Another lesson, for a very low price!