Windows COA

[jobob]

I bought a used (refurbed) laptop for my daughter and it's loaded with Windows 2000 but has a Windows XP Pro COA sticker on the bottom. I have a Windows XP Pro install disk that came with another computer. Although it says "for use with a Dell computer only" would I be able to install Windows XP from it on a non-Dell computer? I also have a retail box version of Windows XP Home but I'm guessing the Windows PRO COA won't work with that.

Any advice for a Windoz newb?

Thanks in advance!

[notfromcali]

I don't think those Dell install disks will work with non-Dell pc's, but I could be wrong. You are correct that the XP pro code will not work with anything but XP pro.

Even if you get your hands on an xp pro install disk, there's a possibility that you will run into problems activating it after the install. You will probably have to spend some time on the phone with microsoft and convince them to let you activate it. First thing you should do is go buy a jar of petroleum jelly, I think ur gonna need it.

[supaflyryan]

Most of those home licenses are for one use. If that computer with the sticker on it never had XP loaded on it, you should be good to go.

Sometimes they have a family license on there, which lets you get either 3 or 5 computers with one license. Go ahead and try it, worst that's gonna happen is when you enter it, it will say "this license has already been used."

Now, if you aren't concerned with legality, there's easy ways to get it loaded, but that's for another thread. :shhh

[Samurang]

do a long reformat, wipe it completely clean, there should be a small partition in there with the Dell proprietary crap, wipe that out too. Wipe everything.

Install XP after that. As far as using the serial key on the sticker.... there are ways around it.