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Formatting & reinstalling XP - key query

  • 05-12-2007 8:57am
    #1
    kaizersoze1980
    Closed Accounts Posts: 732 ✭✭✭


    Hi ,

    First of all ill just say this is a fully legit version of XP, i bought the laptop 2nd hand so have no access to the CD :(
    Trying to get it working a bit better cos its full of spyware, and all sorts of other crap, plus i cant uninstall norton which is slowing the thing down big time.

    I want to format the C drive and reinstall. Its a dell laptop, inspiron 2200.

    I have access to another dell XP cd, but no product key.

    My question is, can I use the product key from my current version of XP on my laptop , with the CD that i have.
    If so, where can I locate the product key for my current version, (there is no sticker on the laptop with it)

    thanks for all the help


Comments

  • #2
    seamus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 68,317 ✭✭✭✭seamus


    The OEM key will be on a sticker on the laptop.


  • #3
    hshortt
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,587 ✭✭✭hshortt


    http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

    This utility will pull the key from your installation. Very useful.

    Cheerio
    Howard


  • #4
    kaizersoze1980
    Closed Accounts Posts: 732 ✭✭✭kaizersoze1980


    thanks for all the help lads, I foresee a long night ahead of re-installing all my applications :/


  • #5
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 93,567 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    kaizersoze1980 wrote: »
    First of all ill just say this is a fully legit version of XP,

    ...
    If so, where can I locate the product key for my current version, (there is no sticker on the laptop with it).
    If there is no COA on the laptop then it does NOT have a license FULL STOP.
    You would need a separate COA/license to be able to install XP on it.
    You can't use an OEM license on the laptop as it didn't have the sticker, so you have to use the more expensive non-OEM versions.

    if you can't find the COA - other things to check
    On some tablet PC's the COA may be behind the battery
    if it's a Dell you can look up the parts list on line and see if it shipped with XP

    But if it's second hand you can't just assume it even had a windows license never mind an XP one unless the manufacturer had a policy of always shipping XP with that particular model. And even then you can't tell if it' would have been PRO or HOME


  • #6
    LoLth
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,339 ✭✭✭✭LoLth


    ^
    ||

    as he says.

    However, if it is legitimate, try a program called SIW
    http://www.gtopala.com/

    gives all local keys for all software on the system and also shows any saved passwords (if you have admin privileges).

    Also, handy for finding out exactly what hardware you have installed (though there are better options for that like Drivermax (http://www.innovative-sol.com/drivermax/index.htm)


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