What is on a Dell XPS OS/Reinstallation DVD?

[Pikarya]

http://imgshack.info/images/j0krfsoyff9wyw087q0.jpg

This disc came with my fiancees PC she just got and I was wondering what was on it? Is it just a basic copy of Windows XP Home pre-activated? There were no CD-keys she said, and on the label it specifies "This CD is not used for the reinstallation of drivers or any programs.".

So back to my main question, whats on this disc? Just a normal, pre-activated XP Home disc?

[Cephius]

It's meant to check the BIOS to determine if the model you're using it on is a Dell. If it is, it will attempt to activate windows for you, and to load the basic Dell software package. Other than that, it's just a basic windows XP installation CD. It usually works on other systems, though I've heard of it refusing to install sometimes.

[Pikarya]

Ah alright, I guess I'll just keep it handy then for her PC if she ever needs it.

Also one more question, this disc won't have any Dell bloat files on it or anything. I know sometimes Dell likes to throw junk on their installs of XP.

[Kurt Cobain]

if its anything like HP's restoration cds, then it will, enjoy cyberlink powerdirector

[Pikarya]

Guess I'll try it once on her PC in the future. If it fails completely and adds junk like that. I'll just use my corporate copy of pro from work.

[Isiolia]

Generally those won't install on non-Dells. Her serial number should be on a sticker on her machine (technically how Windows OEM requires you to do it).

Ones I've seen won't usually install anything but Windows...even drivers are on a separate disc, as it mentions...though I usually deal with business model machines that don't come with bloatware in the first place.

[The Stig]

Generally those won't install on non-Dells. Her serial number should be on a sticker on her machine (technically how Windows OEM requires you to do it).

Ones I've seen won't usually install anything but Windows...even drivers are on a separate disc, as it mentions...though I usually deal with business model machines that don't come with bloatware in the first place.

Correct, I failed so hard with one of these discs on a none Dell machine. I gave up and told the customer to order XP and come back to me afterwards haha.

I'm sure there's a way around it but for "safety" reasons I decided to play it legit

[Avanarius]

Dell disks are actually really great if you just want the basic xp install with no extra fluff. They don't come with any programs or special drivers. The only thing you might get is the Dell help support desk which is basically a readme file which you can delete and remove from your start menu.

As far as I know, they work on any computer and just require any valid xp home/professional cd key. (Well the dell one I have with SP1 xp home works on any computer)

[aers]

I have the exact same CD, actually.

It's a Windows XP copy with Dell OEM files in the OEM folder. There's very little in the way of OEM stuff.

I've ripped one using nLite and made a nLited install out of it just fine.

Product code is on the bottom of the laptop, probably starting to melt off the CPU they like to stick it to.

[Arkanna]

Those CD's also have a generic Dell product key for XP by default, I surmise to simplify the installation. It's wise to use one of the many available product key changers out there to alter the key after installation, then reactivate the software using your specific key.