Helping people with computers... one answer at a time.
Installing Windows XP using one manufacturer's CD on a different manufacturer's PC might sometimes work but it's not guaranteed at all.
Can I install Windows XP using one manufacturer's CD on a different pc?
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For example, can you install onto a Gateway PC using a Dell Windows XP distribution?
The best answer I can give is: probably not.
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There are situations it will work; typically using CDs from the smaller OEMs who've not customized their Windows XP distribution disks. However the larger manufacturers like Dell and Gateway often include drivers and utilities specific to their hardware.
It might work, but I wouldn't count on it.
Article C2091 - June 30, 2004
Leo A. Notenboom has been playing with computers since he
was required to take a programming class in 1976. An 18 year career as a programmer at Microsoft soon followed.
After "retiring" in 2001, Leo started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place for answers
to common computer and technical questions. More about Leo.
i have a compaq r4000 with all discs... i have brought a second hand time 7321 for a back up but there are no discs for it.. would i be able to use my xp disc from the compaq, i have found a drivers disc for the time machine, but dont want to have to spend out on another xp copy if mine will work...
Posted by: maz at April 12, 2010 8:33 AMi got this computer used, its a compaq EVO, The guy I got if off had re installed windows before he gave it to me.
Posted by: anthony diodati at September 12, 2011 6:08 PMI had to change the HD a few years later, and He gave me a re installation disk, but it is a dell disk.
XP installed with out a hitch, and all the drives installed themself, I did not have to look for a one (Driver)
Thing is, I have to activate XP, and it's telling me my
COA is not correct.
I never got a product key with this disk.
I explored the install disk and found some text folders with a bunch of product keys in them, but none worked.
Is there anything I can do or do I have to buy a new complete install.
I have a dell reinstallation CD for windows XP and I was wondering if I can use that on my Toshiba that also runs XP. I was going to try it but I dont want to mess it up anymore than it already is...So if somebody could comment I would greatly appreciate it...
22-Oct-2011
@Ashley
Posted by: Mark J at October 21, 2011 1:17 PMUnless it's an actual Windows XP installation disk, it's unlikely that it would work. Often installation or recovery disks are a disk image designed for that computer that will be copied to the disk and usually isn't compatible with other computers.
have successfully changed the registry for the proper references for scannow. Have used exact copies to C: I386 directory and done scannow, with each and every exact copy of I386 (eight total) on my machine, I always get errors not right CD.
Posted by: Jeannie at November 26, 2011 3:16 PMI would so appreciate help, i have used each one of the I386's at a time, malware smeared my PC and I really need to know what to do. Got no CDs with the PC, was built by a local co. no CDs, and out of business now. Is legal copy.