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Can I install Windows XP using one manufacturer's CD on a different pc?

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Summary: 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?

For example, can you install onto a Gateway PC using a Dell Windows XP distribution?

The best answer I can give is: probably not.

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

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Recent Comments
62 Comments

Sorry but "reading" about computer stuff may as well be Greek to me. My Dell with Windows XP Home Edition, recently crashed completely. My son, who knows way more about computers couldn't even get it fixed. He did find a way to get me a 30 day trial which will expire in about 12 days at which point I won't have a computer again. He copied all my programs and stuff on a CD for when we can get this one fixed.
He said I need a new install disk but I don't know where to get one. And when I get a disk, will that also have the Operating System or is that something different altogether? I really need my computer to work!

You should have received an operating system install disk with your machine, or you need to ask Dell for one. That has the operating system on it.
- Leo
29-Mar-2009

Posted by: Judy Bierman at March 28, 2009 10:11 AM

Can I use my dad's start up disk on my computer? I lost my disk and we both have a Dell.

Posted by: Jorden at April 4, 2009 4:15 PM

hi

the simple answer to using a dell oip system onany other brand is no not a chance in hell can only use on dell as for hp can only use on hp this applies to laptops for sure desktops if its a hp copy of windows and is not unbranded then no hp dell only as they did not pay half as much for the op system and its volume licenced

Posted by: david at April 21, 2009 10:41 PM

Reinstalling Windows XP or Vista using OEM Windows Operating System Reinstallation Discs.

Recently, my Dell Dimension 4400 finally gave out. I couldnt even find my reinstall Disc. I ordered a new disc and reloaded my system.


How to reinstall windows xp or vista onto your dell.

The First Step! Save money! Use the disc that came with your Dell computer to reinstall windows. No need to call a computer Tech anymore. You have everything you need at your fingertips!

Pre: Make sure you download the Ethernet and / or Wireless Networking driver from http://support.dell.com and save it on a disk, flash drive, CD etc.

A: Look at the Windows Product Key sticker on your Dell PC. Write down the version of Windows.

B: Take your Dell Windows Reinstallation CD/DVD and insert it into the cd/dvdrom drive.

C: Press F12 during bootup. Choose boot from CD/DVDRom.

D: Follow onscreen instructions and reload windows.

If you dont have a Reinstallation CD/DVD, you can go to: http://www.oemsoftwaresource.com or Dell for a replacement.

The Second Step: Follow windows Prompts and Reinstall Windows.

The Third Step: Reinstall the Network drivers then go to http://support.dell.com and download the rest of the drivers for your PC. Once all the drivers are downloaded. You can install them one by one.

Now your system should be Completely clean and new!

Posted by: Anthony at April 24, 2009 8:36 AM

I just installed Dell Windows Xp on my gateway computer, and the computer couldn't configure the graphics. everything was stuck on 4bits..something like that. and the windows were gigantic!

Posted by: Lin at May 31, 2009 6:57 AM

This is a definitive Answer from Microsoft, for their OS, OEM Software. I'm a seasoned OS Installer, so my professional position is :I have to know, to protect my customers."

Rather than go into the fine print of this issue, there are just two things to keep in mind for using OEM OS installers . . .

1. Is it a legal copy from the Original Owner, with all its virgin, un-used license information? That is, it must be NOT installed anywhere the Owner states it cannot be, while you are using it.

2. Here is a clear guide to OEM software, and how Microsoft stands on the issue of using theirs . . .

http://arstechnica.com/hardware/news/2007/01/8730.ars

It is the best thing for the novice OS Minds posting here to get to the core issues about what "OEM" stands for, and how various OEM software owners license their products, both soft and hard-ware.

Posted by: ClaudeA at August 20, 2009 10:45 AM

..but can I install my xpPro on my other laptop with corrupt xpHome OS, both being Toshiba laptops?

Posted by: abuamnas at September 5, 2009 1:46 AM

Hi, I have the laptop dell inspiron e1505, my problem is I not to have the dc original for repair windows xp, my problem is not conection the internet, Iam use now other computer for copy de software for repair my computer, de problem is this computer have windows vista my computer have windows xp, I need repair my computer and not undertend

Posted by: monica at October 18, 2009 8:39 PM

i have changed modems from dell to hp. i lost my internet explorer on my dell pc(which i want to keep and use). how do i retrieve my internet explorer? i've tried restoring, all i get is the icon and this page can not be displayed. i have atnt(bell south) as my isp. i have run new disc that they sent, the original disc, when signed on with them as isp. nothing seems to work! i have masn on this hp modem and windowsme. i want my windowsxp and internet back on my dell pc modem. PLEASE HELP?

Posted by: csmwanda at November 1, 2009 5:45 AM

NO, you can't do this, even if you did, the WGA notifaction would fail. I used a Dell original reinstallation disc, and everything went smoothly. It had to download SP3 when I updated, but it was no problem, and the WGA passed with no problem as well. Look, you can find these reinstallition discs on eBay all the time for $10 to $20 for various brands. These are perfectly legal to use, and they are cheap. The only catch is when you use these discs, Windows knows the serial of your motherboard, so if it's a Dell, get the right one. Also, you can't upgrade from XP to Vista or vise versa with the disc. There are some (even on Leo's forum) that knocks these disks around, saying there no substitute for a backup, but just today I reinstalled a fresh copy of Windows XP Pro SP3 in 2 hours without a hitch. Yes, you have to start from scratch, but it beats paying full retail and it's not a illegal download. I have 3 of these disks and I wouldn't take twice the price that I paid for them.

Posted by: Charles Tilley at November 4, 2009 11:58 PM

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