Please help me with Windows XP: Home Edition

[Chernabog]

Hey guys...

I wouldn't normally ask for this type of help on the boards, but I am getting desperate here!

Does anyone here have a copy of Windows XP:Home Edition "For Distribution With A New PC" on it???

Here's the problem: My Dell computer with windows XP:Home Edition died. It died so hard that it would not load into safe mode, etc. In order to do ANYTHING on the computer (i.e. repair XP), I needed an XP disc, which came with my computer. Of course, after moving so many times in the last year I cannot find the original disc. (I DO have a unique code from Microsoft that came with my Dell computer, however.)

So, I borrowed a friend's Windows XP:Home upgrade disc and tried to repair windows. The computer was busted so bad that it did not even recognize that windows had EVER been installed on my computer. The only option was to reformat the drive (whee!) and start from scratch.

HOWEVER, my unique Windows XP 25 digit code will ONLY work on a copy of Windows XP:Home Edition which says something to the effect of "For distribution only with a new PC" on it. (This is according to Microsoft after a lovely little phone call to their tech support.) Since my friend's version was an upgrade version of Windows XP:Home Edition, my code will not work, therefore, I cannot validate the product and this version of XP will stop working 28 days from today. I cannot validate this version of XP with my friend's code since Microsoft is apparently checking these days for people who have used the same 25 digit code.

BOTTOM LINE: I need to find a copy of Windows XP:Home Edition that says "For distribution with a new PC" on it. Originally, I got my version from Dell but I've torn my room apart looking for that disc to no avail. I have my own code that should work on that type of Windows XP:Home installation, so I can register/validate with my own unique code (i.e. I won't use your install code).

If anyone here has a Windows XP:Home Edition "For Distribution with a new PC" (again, NOT Windows XP:Home Edition Upgrade and NOT Windows XP:Professional) and can send me a copy of the disc only, I would greatly appreciate it. I'm already pissed as it is for losing all of my mp3s, etc. etc. and for having to spend hours downloading drivers and all that wonderful crap. Please PM me if there's any way you can get this to me (I will pay for FedEx and the price of a blank disc).

Thank you so much guys!

[Monorail Man]

How it works, is that there is OEM copies of WinXP, and Retail copies of WinXP. THe OEMs (like Dell), have a different set of Keys than the Retail set.

Legally, you would need to obtain the new disk from Dell, not Microsoft. Call Dell tech. support, and useally they'll send you a new disk for about $10.

[wendybeth]

Dude! Last spring, we got a Dell!

So, if what MM suggests doesn't work out, PM me.

[Chernabog]

Thanks MM and Wendybeth, you guys ROCK for helping me out!!!

I called Dell today and they are supposedly sending me what I need in 4 business days WOOT I can finally get my computer up and running again. FINALLY. Of course, I WAS talking to someone in India (probably trained by DustySage) so... we'll see if I get what I need.

If not, wendy you may have a PM soon Thanks again for the help and advice... when my computer is sick it makes me so irritated!!! lol

Now I gotta rebuild my mp3s. My movies. Yaddayadda

[Kevy Baby]

Originally Posted by Monorail Man

How it works, is that there is OEM copies of WinXP, and Retail copies of WinXP. THe OEMs (like Dell), have a different set of Keys than the Retail set.

Legally, you would need to obtain the new disk from Dell, not Microsoft. Call Dell tech. support, and useally they'll send you a new disk for about $10.

Recently had to purchase the Restore disks for my boss's son's HP notebook (same situation as the 'Bog). They reemed him for $100+ for the six disks.

[FEJ]

Originally Posted by Kevy Baby

Recently had to purchase the Restore disks for my boss's son's HP notebook (same situation as the 'Bog). They reemed him for $100+ for the six disks.

That sucks
It only cost $15 for the 2 DVD's for my Vaio.

[Chernabog]

Originally Posted by Kevy Baby

Recently had to purchase the Restore disks for my boss's son's HP notebook (same situation as the 'Bog). They reemed him for $100+ for the six disks.

Supposedly they are sending me a copy of XP for free (I had to give a sob story over the phone). In any case, they didn't take down my credit card number. If Dell sends it with a bill then, as we lawyers like to say.... they can sue my ass. Tee hee!

Getting sued tickles!

[Kevy Baby]

The funny part is that it took them THREE attempts to get the right disks to me. I have two sets of restore disks for other computers. Unfortunately, I have no idea which ones!