XP won't activate. Wrong Disk?

I'm trying to reinstall windows xp home edition on a neighbors computer. The disk I have says "Windows XP Home Edition" as does the license sticker on the side of the computer. During setup, the key from the sticker is not accepted. Its an older Dell. The disk is an original oem disk, but not from this particular computer.

 

Is it a Microsoft OEM disc?

 

Its a microsoft disk, the corner reads "for distribution for a new computer only..." to be clear, it did NOT come with the pc.

The key on the cd doesn't match the key on the sticker for some reason, despite both saying "Win XP home Edition" (no service pack.)

Does anyone have a work around for this? They're legitimate keys.

 

You cannot install/activate an OEM Windows version on another computer than the one it was delivered with, even if you have the original serial number of the target computer.

You should use the install disk that came with the target computer, or use a retail install disk.

 

OEM Dell disks can be used to install Windows on any computer, no matter the brand as long as you have a valid license key. Been doing it for years. They are a "normal" windows disk.

If you have one that is a non-Dell disk, and it is for a specific computer it cannot be used with any other than the one it came with as pwillener stated.

 

Really? I just tried that a few months ago (Dell OEM on another Dell), and it wouldn't activate. I called Microsoft, and a rather unfriendly lady told be that this is not an allowed option and hung up.

 

Maybe this will be helpful:

http://www.technibble.com/how-to-tell-what-type-of-windows-xp-cd-or-license-key-you-have/

The comments are revelatory as well...

 

Let me rephrase that.

The XP discs I've had for over five years which are Dell discs work that way.

It's possible they have gone the way of Toshiba, and others whose install disks are PC specific.

 

Are you sure you're entering the proper key? Sometimes the older COA stickers get worn and difficult to read.

There is no key on the CD. Activation is done remotely on MS servers. If the disc is from Microsoft, it shouldn't be an issue but if it is from a PC manufacturer it's a different story.