Upgrade this desktop or scrap it and buy new one?

[MissKat]

Oh, and I suppose while im at it, I might as well figure out how to tell 100% that I need a new HD. What tests can I run?

[Traditional_Ale]

For the price of a new one, I'd just change it out.

Otherwise, HDD Regenerator. I use an old DOS based version and even it kicks ass.

http://www.dposoft.net/

[MissKat]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

Your restore disk won't work. That disk only works because there is a hidden partition on your dell that has the windows install files on it and the restore disk just activates them.

Just borrow a Windows disk from somebody or get one for $10...but the key on the sticker on your old computer should be valid.

Hey ive been tryin to find a link on Microsoft site to order another key, do you happen to have the link? So I get Microsoft to send me one and I should be able to use the key on the back of my current old dell?

[MissKat]

bump need a link on the MS site on where to order a new OEM CD from.

[ricosuave]

http://social.microsoft.com/Forums/e...-c0f2da7e2884/

[MissKat]

Originally Posted by ricosuave

http://social.microsoft.com/Forums/e...-c0f2da7e2884/

Im supposed to ask for a new OEM CD AND new OEM key right? Cause I called and they said that I have to go through Dell. But I call Dell and they said that I have to go through MS. wtf

[MissKat]

I called MS again and they said they no longer distribute XP and that I have to find the disk on my own and even then, its highly unlikely that they can regenerate me a new key so it wasnt worth my time they said. Great, just great! So looks like Ill just save myself the hassle and get Vista.

Thanks all for the help though

[Hack&Lube]

Originally Posted by MissKat

I called MS again and they said they no longer distribute XP and that I have to find the disk on my own and even then, its highly unlikely that they can regenerate me a new key so it wasnt worth my time they said. Great, just great! So looks like Ill just save myself the hassle and get Vista.

Thanks all for the help though

You don't need a new key, there is a key on the side of your case on the sticker. You really can't find an XP CD? Ask around, many people have XP CDs lying around.

[ricosuave]

miss kat, check your pm, I sent you some help

[MissKat]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

You don't need a new key, there is a key on the side of your case on the sticker. You really can't find an XP CD? Ask around, many people have XP CDs lying around.

Maybe the MS clerk was BSing me but he said I need a new CD and new key cause my current one wouldnt work. He wasnt too friendly either to say the least.

[Hack&Lube]

Originally Posted by MissKat

Maybe the MS clerk was BSing me but he said I need a new CD and new key cause my current one wouldnt work. He wasnt too friendly either to say the least.

You just need your old key and a regular Dell XP recovery disk (almost anybody who owns a dell has one). If you can't find a dell recovery disk or want to install it on a brand new harddrive, you just need the same version of windows that the key is for (Windows Home CD Sp1 for example)

[MissKat]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

You just need your old key and a regular Dell XP recovery disk (almost anybody who owns a dell has one). If you can't find a dell recovery disk or want to install it on a brand new harddrive, you just need the same version of windows that the key is for (Windows Home CD Sp1 for example)

I have my dell recovery disk and the key for it.

[Cliche]

Does it say:

Operating system

Already installed on your computer

reinstallation cd
?

Really, all you need is a copy of whatever the sticker says on your dell computer.
(Should indicate what version of windows it is, whether it's home or professional) and have the 25 characters on it.

I dislike those stickers because the B's and 8's look so similar.

[MissKat]

Thanks to another CPer they helped me out with a Windows CD - thanks!