Windows XP Licence Key - Help

wackojackouk

Hi guys

I just reformatted the HDD on my mum's Dell PC which had the OEM cd supplied with it. The PC is now asking to activate Windows but I cannot find the COA either on the back of the handbook or on the side of the PC.

Can anyone give me any advice here please.

Cheers

WJUK

(ps this is a legal copy of Windows not a dodgy backup)

elvis_bloggs

wackojackouk wrote:

Hi guys

I just reformatted the HDD on my mum's Dell PC which had the OEM cd supplied with it. The PC is now asking to activate Windows but I cannot find the COA either on the back of the handbook or on the side of the PC.

Can anyone give me any advice here please.

Cheers

WJUK

(ps this is a legal copy of Windows not a dodgy backup)

If it is the PRODUCT KEY you are after then it should have come with the disc.

chem14346777

Dell PCs generally have a sticker somewhere on the actual base unit with the OEM number on it.

They have been doing this since Windows 98, so if your missing it, you best check your mom hasn't taken it off "because it looked messy" or something.

If this is the case, you will probably have to call Dell Tech Support with the service tag of the PC, and I guess they may be able to help.

edit; Sorry, just re-read your post and see you've already checked this... seems your buggered!

drlight_2

I always think I have everything before I format my drive, there's always something you thought was there, but it was a phantom, bit like havin a hang over.
e-mail dell from thier website.
cheers

N9eav

My computer has a sticker on it with the key. This sticker supports the re-load disc I had with the computer.

Dupre

Mines on the left hand side of the machine when looking at it from the front. Phone them up if you dont have one! They may need proof of purchase tho so have your receipt to hand!

justpaper

if its one of them silm long base units (not a tower) the stick should be on ur right hand side,.. seeming its not there do what chem14346777 said call dell give them the serial number of the computer and the will be able too give u the Key

wackojackouk

Thanks guys for your help.

Another question. My g/f uncle has just bought a new 160gb h/d for his Dell but he has lost his install CD. He has his Dell Serial number and all invoices still although it is about 1 year outside of the Dell 3 year warranty.

Does anyone know how much Dell will charge him for a replacement Windows XP Home CD?

Cheers

WJUK

danmanchester

wackojackouk wrote:

Thanks guys for your help.

Another question. My g/f uncle has just bought a new 160gb h/d for his Dell but he has lost his install CD. He has his Dell Serial number and all invoices still although it is about 1 year outside of the Dell 3 year warranty.

Does anyone know how much Dell will charge him for a replacement Windows XP Home CD?

Cheers

WJUK

If they're anything like Time computers when it comes to replacing reload discs then I'd guess about £60 ish...which is what Time wanted to charge me about 2 years ago! Might be cheaper to buy a new OEM gold xp disc off ebay..around £45 to £50 for a new Gold hologrammed Home XP with Service Pack 2 AND a COA - that's the important part to look for, the COA will be the serial licence key.

Chuckles1066_2

Dell's don't need the product key and don't need to be activated if you're using the original Dell restore CD - the setup routine performs a BIOS check to ensure it's being installed on a Dell pc.