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can I reinstall windows on another computer using my XP cd?

Started by frank11111 , Oct 26 2010 11:25 PM

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8 replies to this topic

#1 frank11111

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Posted 26 October 2010 - 11:25 PM

The topic says it all. I want to to a re-installation of windows on my friends computer but she doesn't have the cds. both computers are windows xp home 2002 sp3.

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#2 Platypus

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Posted 27 October 2010 - 12:13 AM

If the CD is a standard Windows XP installation disc of the same type so the product key is accepted (eg both XP Home, both OEM since AFAIK you can't use a full retail to re-install OEM Windows without some dramas), and not a manufacturer-specific restore CD, then yes this will work. Use the Product Key from the COA sticker attached to the system being restored. Since the system being restored has a valid license, and there's no copying of discs, there's no problem with the installation being valid, activation can proceed normally etc.

Edited by Platypus, 27 October 2010 - 12:14 AM.

Pleased to have been a Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) 2007/8, 2008/9

I pressed F5, and I'm feeling refreshed...

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#3 dc3

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Posted 27 October 2010 - 12:21 AM

Edit: You got here first Platypus. :thumbsup:

Edited by dc3, 27 October 2010 - 12:22 AM.

"I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member." Groucho Marx

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#4 frank11111

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Posted 27 October 2010 - 12:51 PM

Sweet, thanks for the help. Can i close this topic somehow now that i got an answer?

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#5 Eyesee

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Posted 27 October 2010 - 01:30 PM

Dont forget to get all necessary drivers in advance (motherboard, video, sound, printer NIC etc)
If you post the make/model of the system we can give you a link for them

In the beginning there was the command line.

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#6 frank11111

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Posted 27 October 2010 - 02:07 PM

why do i need to update drivers first? Also where would i find that information?

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#7 Platypus

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Posted 28 October 2010 - 05:13 AM

It's likely that the fresh XP installed on the system won't be able to access the internet until network drivers are installed, so the system won't be able to download its own drivers.

Before re-installing it's best to have on hand the drivers you're going to need, the installer for a respectable Antivirus package and the current offline updates (I like Avast Free) and unless the XP is already at Service Pack 3, the SP3 installer.

If the computer is a brandname, the manufacturer and model number is what we are looking for. Otherwise you can identify the components such as motherboard and video card by opening up the case and sighting their model numbers, or by running a diagnostic utility.

I like Everest (may not suit modern systems) and SIW, another is Speccy:

http://majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=4181
http://www.gtopala.com/
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic323892.html

Edited by Platypus, 28 October 2010 - 05:21 AM.

Pleased to have been a Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) 2007/8, 2008/9

I pressed F5, and I'm feeling refreshed...

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#8 cryptodan

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Posted 28 October 2010 - 05:51 PM

If the CD is a standard Windows XP installation disc of the same type so the product key is accepted (eg both XP Home, both OEM since AFAIK you can't use a full retail to re-install OEM Windows without some dramas), and not a manufacturer-specific restore CD, then yes this will work. Use the Product Key from the COA sticker attached to the system being restored. Since the system being restored has a valid license, and there's no copying of discs, there's no problem with the installation being valid, activation can proceed normally etc.

The OEM and Retail Versions are the same, the only difference is the Product Key Used.

OEM Keys only work with OEM Products and Retail Keys only work with Retail.

You can use a Retail CD to repair an OEM Install and vice versa.