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From: Zaphod Beeblebrox on 2 Apr 2010 08:15
"ruic" <ruic(a)easthanovertownship.com> wrote in message
news:Oclhj$Q0KHA.3412(a)TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>
> "M K" <anon(a)anon.com> wrote in message
> news:OEppvAL0KHA.6068(a)TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> Hi!
>> I have been given a DELL Inspiron E1505 laptop computer to try to
>> repair for
>> someone. The manual for the computer says that no Windows
>> reinstalation
>> disks are necessary or provided as I must use Windows System
>> Restore or a
>> utility that restores the hard drive to the original factory state.
>> In
>> attempting to use System Restore the system hung in operation and
>> did not
>> restore. When I boot, in any mode, the mouse and keyboard will
>> seize up
>> just at Windows logon. I can no longer access System Restore. I
>> neither
>> can boot in safe mode and booting with "last known good" seizes up
>> also.
>>
>> Using the mafacturer's recomendation for restoring the OS would
>> delete all
>> data files on the computer as it is restored to the original
>> factory state.
>> I would like not to loose the data on the computer if possible.
>>
>> I had an idea that I could try to use an OEM Windows Xp home
>> reinstalation
>> disk from an old Gateway desktop computer to try to repair the
>> instalation
>> as I have used it once to repair the Gateway. I would like to know
>> if this
>> can be done.
>>
>> More specifically I would like to know:
>> 1) If there would be issues with the CD key. Can I use the key for
>> the OEM
>> version or must I use one intended for the laptop. Where would I
>> find this
>> key if I do not have reinstalation disks and the computer is not
>> bootable.
>>
>> 2)Are there any issues for product activation that could cause
>> problems? I
>> am repairing not reinstalling Windows on the computer so I would
>> think
>> Microsoft would not mind.
>>
>> 3)Would there be problems if I use the OEM disks which were
>> intended for a
>> desktop and not a laptop? I am thinking thata drivers for the
>> laptop would
>> not install. However I am thinking if I could repair Windows on
>> the laptop
>> I could concievably down load any drivers for the system from the
>> internet
>> or hopefully be able to try another System Restore restoring the
>> computer to
>> a previous state.
>>
>> Failing the above I am thinking I possibly could try to fix the
>> mouse and
>> keyboard problem by booting to the recovery CD and manually copying
>> over
>> replacement files. I know how to access the CD but not what needs
>> to copy
>> or where to. Regaining some control of the computer would allow me
>> to at
>> least be able to try another System Restore again.
>>
>> Any help here would be greatly appreciated.
>>
>
> If the laptop has a MS key printed on it you should be able to use
> that key with any XP installation Disk as long it is a XP Pro key
> and a XP Pro CD or XP Home key and XP Home disk.
>
> If you are doing a repair then you should not have to put the key in
> again if you are doing a reinstall you will need the key.
>
> Laptop and desktop keys are interchangeable. There aren't different
> keys for laptops and desktops.
>

Not quite - OEM keys won't work with a standard Retail CD or vice
versa.

Since you are planning a repair, it shouldn't matter though. Whether
or not the CD has the same service pack or higher might be an issue -
I've never attempted a repair using a CD with a previous service pack,
but it doesn't seem likely to work well...

--
Zaphod

Arthur Dent, speaking to Trillian about Zaphod:
"So, two heads is what does it for a girl?"
"...Anything else he's got two of?"


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