[BC] Windows XP

[Jason R. at KGVL - KIKT]

Yup.  Richard is right.. that'lll work.

 When you run the 'reinstall' CD I'm thinking of though, it also gives you 
the phone number to call, and the new 'generated' code to input to the 
automated attendant...  just call them while it's on the screen, and they'll 
give a new code.  No humans needed.  Just touch tones.

  Remember - some CD's came WITH a computer, and some are designed to 
REPLACE those (they're designed for techie heads and such who are in the 
business of rebuilding a lot of computers.  You call Dell for them if you're 
in the business of rebuilding Dell computers... or reselling rebuilt Dell 
machines... )

 Dell is one of those companies that sold the CD with the computer, so 
you're supposed to have a way to reinstall your OS.  (If the onboard backup 
partition failed, etc.)

" Hi, Mr. Dell dude in Indonesia... I'm Joe Sam Harry, and I lost my Dell 
rebuild disc.
My Dell Dimension/ Optiplex  machine number is DNx19344... Can I get another 
disc please..?"

 That's how tough it (was) is to get a disc from Dell.
A valid Dell machine # and a valid customer name.

But they'll work for any similar Dell machine.

Jason

>
> There should be a key on the case/cover of the computer. The software was 
> probably never "activated." Just do as this link shows: 
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307890
>
> If the software can't activate using the Network, it will show you a 
> telephone number. Pretend you got a number from the telephone center and 
> enter anything that will fit in the spaces provided. This will error out 
> and display a window with the correct format for the license text shown on 
> your computer label. Enter that and, magically, it will say your software 
> has been activated. Now you can get your upgrades and subsequent service 
> packs.
>
> Cheers,
> Richard B. Johnson
> Book: http://www.AbominableFirebug.com/