Say I legally buy Windows XP Pro OEM version (Dell) with qualifying hardware. It's all legal.

Previously I had a lot of problems trying to nLite from a Dell OEM version of Windows XP.

I already have 2 other legal licenses to Windows XP Pro regular boxed (non-OEM) version, already registered with Microsoft. I used those to make nLite slipstreamed installations on 2 other rigs.

QUESTION:

On the new computer can I install the slipstreamed Windows Pro I've already made from one of the other boxed non-oem Windows XP Pro disks, then register that with Miscrosft using the COA from the Windows XP Pro OEM version (Dell)?

I'll have properly and fully paid-for licenses to all 3 Windows XP Pro licenses, but simply want to avoid using the Dell OEM CD for nLite slipstreaming.

Advice appreciated! Thank you.

Edited December 27, 200718 yr by scott14

Build your own Dell disk and it will nLite perfectly.

Building a Pre-activated CD from an existing installation

I cannot be sure but, OEM software is tied to the hardware.

Anyway, as the last post has said, build it with your dell oem cd.

I have a HP brand PC that was so messed up with many scripts etc and junks inside the OEM DVD but after long hours, I've managed to make a plain old normal XP CD by nliting it.

It should get your skils up so try.

severach & Vel Straty,

OK I'll try what you said.

Never thought of that.

Thank you.

I've used NLite with Dell CD's plenty of times in the past with no problems at all.

(Might want to make sure you have the most up to date version of NLite...?)

Dell uses Volume Licensing version of Windows and not regular OEM versions. The serial numbers between the two are not compatible.

Say I copy the Dell OEM Windows XP CD to a directory to use as "source" files for nLite.

Can I just delete something from the copy in the directory to remove the Dell special stuff, before starting nLite?

If so, is there a list explaining WHAT to delete?

"QUESTION:

On the new computer can I install the slipstreamed Windows Pro I've already made from one of the other boxed non-oem Windows XP Pro disks, then register that with Miscrosft using the COA from the Windows XP Pro OEM version (Dell)?"

ANSWER:

No. Product keys are specific to each version, so OEM keys will not work with non-OEM media.

I learned this years ago while beta testing MS OS products.

Do a Google search for details on the innards of a file called SETUPP.INI and see if that might help you a bit.

Good to see you're making a grand effort to stay on the right side of the licensing fence.

Good luck to you now and in the New Year.

"QUESTION:

On the new computer can I install the slipstreamed Windows Pro I've already made from one of the other boxed non-oem Windows XP Pro disks, then register that with Miscrosft using the COA from the Windows XP Pro OEM version (Dell)?"

ANSWER:

No. Product keys are specific to each version, so OEM keys will not work with non-OEM media.

I learned this years ago while beta testing MS OS products.

Do a Google search for details on the innards of a file called SETUPP.INI and see if that might help you a bit.

Good to see you're making a grand effort to stay on the right side of the licensing fence.

Good luck to you now and in the New Year.

Exactly

that file determines u r license and makes base Hash for the allowed keys for a particular version(OEM, Rtl, VLK)