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BootCamp - Windows Activation Key Required

J

julienko3

macrumors regular
Original poster
May 6, 2006
131
0
Here is a major problem...

I installed Windows XP Professional Edition using the OEM (branded DELL) CD that came with my PC. I installed it using bootcamp, and splitstreamed ServicePack 2 onto it. Everything works fine, except there is a window saying I must activate windows within 20 days. I've done lots of searches on this, with no solid answer.

This is the OEM, right? It's branded DELL. How can I figure the activation key? I found it using software at www.magicaljellybean.com to get the original registration key, but I just can't register this.

I keep hearing that those with OEM versions are screwed? Am I screwed? Must I purchase or download a NON-OEM version?

Please help,

Julien
 
Your Dell OEM copy of Windows is tied to your Dell that it shipped with. The serial key should be physically on the machine but you're only licensed to run it on that hardware.
 
ive found with HP products anyway, that the key the software is registered with on the OEM disk is different than the sticker key the machine comes with

ive tried this though with dell, used the CD and OEM sticker key, and i couldn't get it to activate, i traded a member on the forum here for a copy of vista he assured me the dell cd and key would work but it dont
 
Get the serial off your old Dell box it should work. I pulled mine off my old computer and it works fine. Its not stealing you paid for it. You just can't run it on two machines. If the Dell no longer runs switch your XP install to your mac.

It has to be the same version Home will not work with a pro serial or vice versa.
 
Here is a Windows XP Home Edition disk that will work from Newegg for $89. While some people call it an OEM disk, MicroSoft themselves refer to these as System Builder disks and they are licensed for a single computer that they are originally installed on. System Builder XP Home

These are SP3 disks and work great with BootCamp and are far more reasonable than retail versions which allow you to switch between different sets of hardware.

Your Dell stuff was originally licensed to Dell as a System Builder single installation BTW- which is why the certificate of authenticity/product key sticker was attached to the hardware case itself.
 
You have to either buy a retail copy or an OEM copy from a seller like NewEgg.
 
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