Can I use any version of XP to reinstall windows onto a dell?

[Hambone0750]

When reinstalling windows on to a dell does it matter what copy of windows you use. I.E. an oem disk with a dell provided key code?

[SoBePmp]

When reinstalling windows on to a dell does it matter what copy of windows you use. I.E. an oem disk with a dell provided key code?
It shouldnt matter as long as its a retail disk. An OEM disk will only work for the system it came with.

[bchur83]

It shouldnt matter as long as its a retail disk. An OEM disk will only work for the system it came with.

Not quite correct. You will probably need an OEM CD, since the Dell is an OEM PC, it most likely has an OEM Serial. Any OEM CD should work, as long as it doesnt have the Serial automatically inserted during the install. (IE: a winnt.sif file in the i386 drectory, with the serial listed)

[Hambone0750]

Let me correct my self as I had a misunderstanding what oem was. The xp disk I used was one that I purchsed from the university I attended.

[billb]

Let me correct my self as I had a misunderstanding what oem was. The xp disk I used was one that I purchsed from the university I attended.If that copy has been previously installed and activated you will have to call microsoft to get it reactivated.