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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

Leo 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.

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Recent Comments
71 Comments

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...

I'd recommend re-reading the article you just commented on. It answers your question.

Leo
22-Oct-2011
Posted by: Ashley at October 21, 2011 5:58 AM

@Ashley
Unless 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.

Posted by: Mark J at October 21, 2011 1:17 PM

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.
I 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.

Posted by: Jeannie at November 26, 2011 3:16 PM

I need to reformat a Dell Dimension desktop, but I don't have the discs. Can I use a retail version of windows xp then use the original manufacturer serial key posted on the side of the computer?

Typically, no. OEM product keys typically only work on the OEM products that they came with. If you purchase a retail copy of Windows use the product key that came with it.
Leo
16-Feb-2012
Posted by: jonathan at February 16, 2012 9:47 AM

Now call me silly, but if you can't use the OEM Windows version you bought/ paid for, there are is one question that comes to my mind:
so why can I then not order a machine WITH THE OS I WANT? Example: I want a Dell Latitude, or an ASUS Ultrabook, but only with Win XP Pro and not Win7. I bet you a 100 whatever-currency-you-are-on I will get a very polite "Sorry sir, but that is not possible"... So we all have to, not only pay for change of OS, but also spend loads to upgrade all your other software (eg Adobe, office programs...)?

Posted by: Edward at February 29, 2012 8:10 AM
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