system purchased w/o restore software

I have this old Dell Optiplex which i intend to upgrade for my nephews to kick around on. Unfortunately, it was purchased back in like199? and w/o software. I know this question has come up many times before, but I am really strapped for cash right now and have been donated the hardware. Is there a way to edit the biosid in the software from my sister's Gateway system's recovery software to match my own biosid in order to be able to reinstall Win Me?? And I am also aware of the ethical implications here as well. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do at the time when all other options fail.

Anyway, I purchased Winxp pro but it won't run due to hardware incompatibilities.

Any suggestions (other than,"why don't' you just go out and buy ....)?

 

Unfortunately, as you are aware, there are ethical issues around this so MajorGeeks.com is unable to support this request, strapped for cash or not.