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Windows XP Home OEM?

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3 replies

by paperxandxstars

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Hello everyone, I just bought my father a used dell as a surprise, and before I get it to him, I wanted to do a destructive restore on it. The only problem is that it is used, and it didnt come with any restore CD's. Now I know if you have a valid windows product key you can do an OEM install and just manually load everything else on there, but the problem is, where can I get a copy?! Thanks in advance for any ideas! :-)
-Kyle

3 replies

by dalentn

Microsoft has coded the versions such that a disk from dell is the only valid user of that OEM license #.
You should be able to get a replacement disk from Dell support. Call them @ 1-800-www-dell and have the express service code handy.

by markimark88

I got an Indian call center who wasn't passed my service tag id by Dell's internal system, so they didn't know what I had, so I had to get the id again off my desktop, then after all that they wanted $8+ to send me two OEM disks, for this price I assume it was being mailed from India, since I'm actually 5 miles from Dell's headquarters l.o.l.. I asked if there was a way to download, they directed me to dell.com, that's helpful :(.

by ghowriter

Anyone can make their own OEM cd using the files already installed on the computer. All Dell XP computers have an I386 folder and it is with this folder that you will make your CD. First, you need any other OEM cd - any brand, any type as long as it's OEM. Then use and ISO editor like UltraISO and overwrite the I386 folder on the CD with the one on the computer. Two rules: both the cd and computer must be the same service pack else there will be problems and you will be prompted to type the product key from the sticker and may also be prompted to activate. If you need more info, send me a line and I will find a way to show you.

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