BigDaddy5 Posted September 2, 2007 Share Posted September 2, 2007 I'm reformatting a computer, and have lost the OEM CD for it. They key is still obviously on the tower, so that's no problem. My real concern is how I'm going to get XP back on this machine. The way I figure it is I have a few options: Call and beg, either the OEM or Microsoft. Any advice there, such as charges they will impose, etc? Pirate. I don't feel opposed to this one, since I have a legit copy..but will my OEM key work on a non-OEM version, or any other OEM's disks? I would rather not download a copy, but if push comes to shove, I'd rather not resort to option 3: Buy a new copy. No thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
User_Deleted Posted September 2, 2007 Share Posted September 2, 2007 You can't use another copy of XP.. like retail. You will have to find a OEM CD because the retail version doesn't accept the OEM key. What is your brand of computer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigDaddy5 Posted September 2, 2007 Author Share Posted September 2, 2007 You can't use another copy of XP.. like retail. You will have to find a OEM CD because the retail version doesn't accept the OEM key. What is your brand of computer? Can't tell you, there is no markings on the box. It's the parents file server, and of course they can't remember. It's an older machine. That's why I wanted to know about OEM vs. Retail, because tracking down and contacting the manufacturer will be pretty difficult. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Alex- Posted September 2, 2007 Share Posted September 2, 2007 Phone Microsoft... there's no harm in asking. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corvid19 Posted September 2, 2007 Share Posted September 2, 2007 I would find a small computer shop (the ones that have lots of secondhand systems in the window) and ask them nicely for an XP OEM CD I bet they have loads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rajputwarrior Posted September 3, 2007 Share Posted September 3, 2007 Can't tell you, there is no markings on the box. It's the parents file server, and of course they can't remember. It's an older machine. That's why I wanted to know about OEM vs. Retail, because tracking down and contacting the manufacturer will be pretty difficult. you can't activate a retail copy of XP using an OEM disc I would find a small computer shop (the ones that have lots of secondhand systems in the window) and ask them nicely for an XP OEM CD I bet they have loads. there is also torrents... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leddy Posted September 3, 2007 Share Posted September 3, 2007 I'm reformatting a computer, and have lost the OEM CD for it. They key is still obviously on the tower, so that's no problem. My real concern is how I'm going to get XP back on this machine. The way I figure it is I have a few options:Call and beg, either the OEM or Microsoft. Any advice there, such as charges they will impose, etc? Pirate. I don't feel opposed to this one, since I have a legit copy..but will my OEM key work on a non-OEM version, or any other OEM's disks? I would rather not download a copy, but if push comes to shove, I'd rather not resort to option 3: Buy a new copy. No thanks You can take a retail CD image and modify one of the .inf or .ini files to change it into an OEM cd (though I don't remember which files- try google?). Otherwise, go to a torrent and download a copy of the OEM CD. You're allowed to, under the EULA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoapyHamHocks Member Posted September 3, 2007 Member Share Posted September 3, 2007 This might be of some help. http://www.petri.co.il/use_oem_version_to_upgrade_xp.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oido Posted September 3, 2007 Share Posted September 3, 2007 You can take a retail CD image and modify one of the .inf or .ini files to change it into an OEM cd (though I don't remember which files- try google?). Otherwise, go to a torrent and download a copy of the OEM CD. You're allowed to, under the EULA. No, considering torrent seeders don't have a license to distribute CDs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Alex- Posted September 3, 2007 Share Posted September 3, 2007 He could 'go selfish' and switch uploading off in the torrent client, meaning he is downloading what he legally can without re-distributing it. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobster Posted September 3, 2007 Share Posted September 3, 2007 Just download it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TokyoKiller Posted September 3, 2007 Share Posted September 3, 2007 Who is the OEM? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hiflyr Posted September 3, 2007 Share Posted September 3, 2007 You can't "legally" download any copy of Windows unless you're downloading it from Microsoft. If you decide to download one anyway, make sure you're running PeerGuardian. While you're at it, pray the copy you download hasn't been modified. If you know someone who owns a Dell with XP on it, borrow their Windows disk. They'll install on any computer. When you go to activate it online, it won't. That's when you call a service rep, and change the CD key inside Windows. It's a hassle, but it will work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PGHammer Posted September 3, 2007 Share Posted September 3, 2007 You can't "legally" download any copy of Windows unless you're downloading it from Microsoft. If you decide to download one anyway, make sure you're running PeerGuardian. While you're at it, pray the copy you download hasn't been modified.If you know someone who owns a Dell with XP on it, borrow their Windows disk. They'll install on any computer. When you go to activate it online, it won't. That's when you call a service rep, and change the CD key inside Windows. It's a hassle, but it will work. Actually, you simply enter the *correct* license key when prompted. I had this precise situation less than 24 hours ago (customer required a complete reinstall of OEM version of XP Home Edition, but the only copy of the CD available is from a different OEM). The PCIQ was from e-Machines; however, the OEM CD was from Compaq (AKA HP). Only the larger *royalty* OEMs lock their CDs from other OEMs (and DELL is the likliest of suspects). This situation happens when the only CD that ships with the computer is a *recovery CD*, and why I got into building my own PCs in the first place. OEM CDs of Windows XP work with keys from other OEMs that match the same version (Home matches Home, MCE matches MCE). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yoninh Posted September 5, 2007 Share Posted September 5, 2007 just download another copy... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
severach Posted September 19, 2007 Share Posted September 19, 2007 The easy way out is to get an OEM Single User copy and install with your key and hope that it activates. While it will take longer you can do it the right way starting here. http://www.msfn.org/board/Building_Pre_act..._in_t63258.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olemus Posted September 19, 2007 Share Posted September 19, 2007 what PC is it? Dell/acer/HP etc.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian M. Veteran Posted September 19, 2007 Veteran Share Posted September 19, 2007 *ahem* Please don't suggest that others download XP disk images illegally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Codesmith Posted September 21, 2007 Share Posted September 21, 2007 Downloading a copy is very risky. Has it been modified? Is some random file on it corrupt? Best to have someone local make a copy of an OEM CD. Having a legitimate COA sticker, with a key that no one else is using, is all that matters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VPuccetti Posted September 24, 2007 Share Posted September 24, 2007 OEM cd's are abundant and a half. Do you have a friend with a Dell re-install cd? Every computer will come with their Home or Pro OEM cd. *MOST* Dell resource cd's will have a data file for the cd-key and can be used on other computers. There are cd-key changers out there, 1 of which is provided BY microsoft thus... not bad. So just copy an OEM cd and keep using your key with this cd-key changer. http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/selfhelp/...structions.aspx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaisinCain Posted September 24, 2007 Share Posted September 24, 2007 NM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rr_dRock Posted September 24, 2007 Share Posted September 24, 2007 anyway, go through microsofts site, links have been posted. DO NOT use torrents as they may have been modified. if all else fails, use linux. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renshaw Posted September 24, 2007 Share Posted September 24, 2007 You can Download a XP CD. Completely formate your PC Partition Etc. The Key on the Side of your PC will work with a normal disc. [This is perfectly legal i've checked before as he has he own key, Activation etc works as normal] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Codesmith Posted September 25, 2007 Share Posted September 25, 2007 (edited) Download links have been posted? Where? All I see are tutorials on what to do AFTER you have a OEM CD, and Microsoft password changing utility. If you can obtain an original OEM CD or an official download without buying a new copy of XP, thats new to me. All my CD are based on Dell CDs I copied, except for a couple original MCE 2005's from custom builds. PS I think MSDN subscribers can download .iso's but thats a lot more expensive then just buying a unnecessary new copy of XP. Only safe practical solution is to find someone with a CD and copy it, unless you happen to need an extra XP license. BTW a .sfv of the contents of an unmodified plain OEM install CD would be handy for verification. If I had originals for Home & Pro OEM I would make the appropriate .sfv for you, maybe someone else will be kind enough? Edited September 25, 2007 by Codesmith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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