Hello wody31,
As a rule the OEM CoA affixed to the computer tells you that when sold by the OEM, the computer was permanently licensed to run the version of Windows described on the CoA. In your case this is XP Pro.
Unless a previous owner has replaced the motherboard in the computer with a non-Dell motherboard, the computer will always be licensed to run what's on the CoA.
So in your case, the best thing to have done would have been to:
1. Execute the Dell ownerhip transfer form here:
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/change_order/tag_transfer?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=anavml2. Then, after the ownership transfer has taken place, order replacement OS reinstallation CDs here:
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/en/backupcd_form?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&redirect=1That way you could have taken advantage of the fact that most likely the computer's Windows license was still valid when you bought the computer.
For great advice on all topics XP, visit http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/winxp
