Help Dell HD dead need to do a re-install

[comptek]

Hey guys,

I have a Dell Dimension pc with a dead HD. It never makes it to windows and is making a clicking sound. My question is that the PC is out of warranty and I know I need to buy a new HD but they never sent out a restore CD to fix. My friend gave me a copy of XP home which was installed but when I did this once before for a laptop and after completing the re-install it asked me to reactivate windows. It kept saying that the license key was not valid. That was the only key on the laptop (in that case). Now for my pc will I have to do that? I am the original owner with the license key on the sticker. What should I do? Can someone help?

Thanks

Comptek

Comptek
A+, Network+

 

[vacunita]

Usually Windows versions that ship woth Dells are OEM's if your friend loaned you a retail Windows CD the key will not work as it is tied to the OEM version. You either need to call dell and ask for recovery CD's or get an OEM version of Windows to try to install.



----------------------------------
Ignorance is not necessarily Bliss, case in point:
Unknown has caused an Unknown Error on Unknown and must be shutdown to prevent damage to Unknown.

 

[linney]

Just some semi-useful links for you.

Dell Forum.

http://forums.us.dell.com/supportfo...w_winxp&message.id=206802&c=us&l=en&cs=&s=gen

How do I use the Dell™ PC Restore by Symantec Utility?

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kb/en/document?dn=1090151

reinstalling xp & saving info
thread779-1313351

Making a CD for Windows XP, 2000, 2003, and NT

http://www.easydesksoftware.com/recovery.htm

Replacement of CD or Product Keys
To replace a CD or Product Key, you must contact PSS. To locate the appropriate phone number for your product, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;CNTACTMS

326246 - How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;326246&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

 

[ArizonaGeek]

On a Dell system you shouldn't need a key with the OEM disk. At least all the Dells I've installed didn't need one. If you don't have a disk you can ring Dell and they'll send you a back up Windows disk for like $10 or $20. Just tell them you had to replace the hard drive and need a disk. Or if you know someone with a Dell XP restore disk you can barrow it to restore Windows.

Cheers
Rob

 

[comptek]

Thanks Guys,
Arizona - Thanks for the info. I called Dell yesterday and the tech made it seem like I had to pay full price for the OS cd, because he said that I can buy one from dell or just go to any computer shop and buy the box version of xp home. I did not stay on the phone long enough to find out the price for the cd since he said that I can buy one at the store. I will try to find someone that has a dell that I can borrow the cd from. Thanks

Comptek
A+, Network+

 

[ArizonaGeek]

I always forget that Dell treats business customers A LOT different than regular consumers. Guess we are lucky we only deal with one sales guy. If you work for a company that has Dell machines ask around to see if you have a sales rep (or if you know someone who works for a company with a sales rep) that you can ask for a CD. Too bad you weren't in Phoenix, Az I could loan ya disc. I got like 20 of 'em sitting here. I always make sure we get the OS and driver disks when we buy machines from Dell.

You could go buy a new version of Windows XP but you shouldn't have to since you already paid for a version from Dell when you bought your PC. You shouldn't have to pay full price for a replacement disk, even Toshiba only charges me $30 for a replacement DVD for one of our laptops. I'd call Dell again and just tell them you need a replacement OS disk. Good luck!

Cheers
Rob