Laptop stolen - Windows XP question

M

museic

New Member
Hi everyone - new to the site and just have one question...

My Dell Laptop was stolen last semester of school and this summer I built a new computer (Desktop). I'm wondering if Microsoft will give me a new activation number for my copy of windows? I bought that copy with the Dell so I figure I own it and I got totally screwed with insurance for the laptop so the last thing I want to do is go buy another copy of Windows.

Is this possible? If it is where would I go to get a new activation number. Dell puts them on a sticker on the machine so I don't have a number.

Thanks
 
I'm not sure that you'd be allowed to put a Dell-licensed version of Windows onto a non-Dell custom build, you'd probably be better contacting them and seeing what they say. You'd need to get the key from them anyway. I think since it's a Dell disk, it'd be them rather than Microsoft to contact, since the 'installation' disks that come with company builds are usually plastered with their own logos etc, and I think are handled differently with regards licensing.

You don't 'own' the copy of Windows per se, all you own is a license to use it on one machine. I'm not sure what their policy is regarding theft, but if they say no to you getting a new activation (which is likely, as a 'stolen' disk would be one way for people to pull a fast one), then it's not trememdously expensive getting an OEM version of XP, which is what you may have to do...

If you do need a new one, look for it online rather than a Minnesota retailer, save you some money. ;)
 
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The OEM Windows and the license has to go with the machine that it was sold with. Believe it or not you are not allowed to sell your computer and retain your Windows. People do it all the time, but it's against the license agreement.

With that said, Microsoft does not support Dell OEMs. The licenses are sold en masse at deep discounts to Dell and Dell is responsible to support them. Dell licenses are ONLY for Dell machines. Dell will not give you another license to use on another PC. They can't.

So, your only option that I can see is buying another copy of Windows with a COA.
 
museic said:
thanks everyone - as I suspected... So wheres the cheapest place to buy a copy of windows?
Click to expand...

Dont know if its the cheapest but have a look on Newegg.

Shop around where you live to see the cheapest prices.
 
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