Is it not just a Ghost image that's transferred to a newly formatted C: drive?

:thumbs:

i use a dell branded version of vista and had no problems and i get all the updates too.

If that happenes it'll be ok, 'cause I'll just reboot and try something else :)

quote:

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Originally posted by loafofbrett
Without seeming like i'm trying to cause an argument....it doesn't spit any dummy out. That windows will work absolutely fine for 30days (except updates). All you do, is click on the little keys on the system tray, then do a telephone activation. Find a serial from somewhere (whether it's been used before or not) and enter it in. It'll then give you a code to tell the operator. Then the operator will give you a working code. I've done it like 30 times, seriously. Ian has also done the same.

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:lol: ok, won't be done till next week. Going to check Packard Bell website out as it's pretty good.

Let us know how you get on :look:

I'll try her serial first, and hope to doesn't go spasticated. If not, I'll ring up :thumbs:

OR.... If you have a serial which you know hasn't been used before, just click on 'activate online' and enter it, and job done :thumbs: I've u2u'd you about this Deano, as I can assist.

Without seeming like i'm trying to cause an argument....it doesn't spit any dummy out. That windows will work absolutely fine for 30days (except updates). All you do, is click on the little keys on the system tray, then do a telephone activation. Find a serial from somewhere (whether it's been used before or not) and enter it in. It'll then give you a code to tell the operator. Then the operator will give you a working code. I've done it like 30 times, seriously. Ian has also done the same.

Yeh, it'll spit the dummy out and ask for a geniune serial key and tell you how illegal using windows on more than one machine is.

Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesnt :(

But i've installed with a Dell disc (the one's with the green face that say "operating system - Windows XP Pro") on several none branded machines, several times. Every time it's exactly the same. It installs fine and doesn't ask for a key. Then when you log into windows it'll ask you to activate, at which point you'll need a genuine serial. If you use one of these discs on a Dell machine, yes, it checks and it doesn't ask you to activate.

loafofbrett, sometimes the Dell one's DON'T work because the disk checks the BIOS and if it isn't a Dell BIOS, it doesnt work :)

Just use the Dell disc for gods sake. It'll install fine. You'll just need a genuine key to be able to activate it. I don't know where you work, but they're written on the side of every machine at my place. Worked fine for me the other day when I did a fresh install.

And where do I get one of these?

Its a package file, it's used with a disk burning program (Nero etc.) to burn a set of files to a CD-R

ISO?

Just get the ISO for windows Xp home

Hmmm really annoying. The missus created 3 master CD's for her Packard Bell, but being a typical woman has lost them.

I have 3 Masters from my old Packard Bell, so might try them first.

If you get as far as activating and can do it over the phone, try that.

It will install fine, but you won't be able to "activate" the copy without entering a serial. It'll work fine for 30days tho :o

It is an OEM disc that checks the BIOS as said.

It may work on the packard bell though, i've heard both stories of them working and not working, worth a try though.

It won't take the reg key though, it'll either install without one or it won't install.

I don't think so, as I think some of them check the Bios to see if its a Dell system or whatever. However, I could be completely wrong. Google is your friend here :)

[Edited on 10-09-2008 by Welsh Dan]

I'm talking an XP Home disc that was bundled with all the other software discs you get with Dell laptop/PCs.

Am I right in thinking this is just a standard XP Home OS disc, but with a Dell sticker on it? For example could I use to to format my missus' Packard Bell laptop, then use her reg key?

:wave::thumbs: