i cant find the pcs windows oem disk, can i use the laptops oem disk im not to sure of the licensing structure.
2007-03-02 05:09:58 · 8 answers · asked by aloha 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
No. Here's why:
"Windows installer makes you type the unique 25-character code that's printed on the case of your Windows XP CD. Later, the Product Activation programs looks at various serial numbers inside your PC - the processor, network card, and disk drives, etc. -- mixes them together, and produces a second 25-character code that identifies your PC. Those 50 characters, taken together, are called the installation ID.
When you activate Windows XP, you give Microsoft the 50 character installation ID.
I'm going to skip some information here -- to continue -- every time WindowsXP starts, it recalculates the 25-character code that's based on the various serial numbers inside your PC. If the recalculated 25-character code doesn't match your original code, the activation time clock starts over and it continues to remind you relentlessly, etc. etc.
All this and much more is covered in Chapter 2.
I bought this $35 book for $3.50 and shipping at www.amazon.com as a used book.
2007-03-02 05:48:12 · answer #1 · answered by TheHumbleOne 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you cannot use the disc that came with your laptop to install windows on your desktop. Aside from licensing restrictions, the OEM cd will probably look for some piece of hardware on your laptop (such as the motherboard) to verify that you're installing it in the designated computer.
2007-03-02 05:20:28 · answer #2 · answered by Carlo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can surely use it with no problem to make a clean install, however you will need a new license key in order to make it a valid installation. If you are trying to recover a machine using another's installation disc, it can work as long as the operating system is the same, so if you want to recover a machine which has Windows XP home, you can use another machine's disc using Windows XP home.
2007-03-02 05:16:01 · answer #3 · answered by synthetic 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very doubtful. OS cds for branded computers are made specifically for that machine/brand. If you still have your activation key/serial, call the vendor for a replacement CD might cost a bit for shipping. You can actually use any CD that matches your old version number and stay legal as long as you use your own activation number. Ask some friends if you can copy their CD just for the media.
2007-03-02 05:13:13 · answer #4 · answered by Jack Tax 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will have to purchase a new license. Before you do try UBUNTU. It's a free, reliable and up to date operating system. Once you have it installed you gain access to thousands of free programs created by the open source community.
2007-03-02 05:16:00 · answer #5 · answered by hitechsleuth 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can, but not if it is a Compaq. They have their own stuff. The number is the number. Should have no problem. Just shut off automatic updates after the first update. Then Microsoft will not bother you.
2007-03-02 05:13:24 · answer #6 · answered by Jim R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
legally, no...that licence was meant only for one computer.
2007-03-02 05:13:13 · answer #7 · answered by madhavankkutty 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no
2007-03-02 05:23:38 · answer #8 · answered by Best answer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋