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Have key, but no CD

Question
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I seem to have lost the instalation CD for XP that came with my Dell. However, I still have the product key which is on a sticker attached to my computer. Can I use my brother's XP CD with my key?Thursday, June 12, 2008 12:10 AM
Answers
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No. You'll have to contact Dell for a replacement.
How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware:
Thursday, June 12, 2008 2:41 AMModerator -
Thanks everyone for all the help - quite the mixed bag of replies! I called Dell and they are sending me a replacement CD at no charge... despite my computer being 4 years oldThursday, June 12, 2008 7:54 PM
All replies
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No. You'll have to contact Dell for a replacement.
How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware:
Thursday, June 12, 2008 2:41 AMModerator -
Yes, if you install same version OEM software on an OEM machine. You will then, however, have to call Microsoft to validate the software/computer marriage, using the OEM key on that machine. It is done all the time. It is not adviced nor is it proper protocol, but it happens frequently. No harm. No foul. In the end, it matters not what plastic spun the software to the machine As long as the versions match, neither consumer nor Microsoft have lost or gained anything. BTW, backup OEM CD are very inexpensive, and one should be on hand in the future. HP OEM for example is $16 shipped.
Thursday, June 12, 2008 3:54 PM -
upsidedown,
Your issue appears to be outside the scope of the Genuine Advantage forum. In an attempt to assist I would like to provide some information which may help. Recovery CD’s are specific to your computer manufacturer. Please contact your manufacturer for assistance. They should be able to assist with your request and/or questions. Since the telephone number and web sites are not maintained by Microsoft we cannot make any warranty as to their validity.
Included is their contact information here for your convenience:
Dell Computer:
http://search.dell.com/index.aspx?s=gen&c=us&l=en&ec=k&ira=False&cat=sup&advsrch=False
http://www.supportforyourpc.com/tools/get_article.asp?aid=1293
http://www.dellcommunity.com/supportforums/?category.id=software
Another alternative may be to visit Dell Community Forums @ http://www.dellcommunity.com/supportforums/. Maybe you can search for replace a lost Dell system restore disk
800-624-9896
Lori MS
Thursday, June 12, 2008 5:03 PM -
Thanks everyone for all the help - quite the mixed bag of replies! I called Dell and they are sending me a replacement CD at no charge... despite my computer being 4 years oldThursday, June 12, 2008 7:54 PM