can i use my restart cd on another computer?

[andyzplace]

hey, i have an e-machines computer and re-start cd and ym girlfriends (unknown) package computer really could do with an overhaul. could i use my cd to restart he machine and put xp back on or woul it just destroy it further?


cheers in advance, andy

 

[apj101]

no that is illegal, your xp cd provides you with one licence and you are not allowed to install it on other machines, nor will it work.

Here ends the discussion

 

[alanuofm]

well if your gf has her own xp serial number you can do that legally. if the computer is purchased via retail there should be a serial number sticker on the side or back somewhere

 

[DanLatimer]

right alanuofm but make sure that your XP is the same as her serial (HOME and PRO arent the same and a serial for HOME wont work with PRO)

 

[andyzplace]

cool, cheers guys. im not trying to do anything dodgey here. i dont remember typing in any codes when i restarted my machine though? arent they automatic?

 

[alanuofm]

when you first reinstall xp it usually asks for you to validate windows within 30 days. what kind of computer does your gf have?

 

[andyzplace]

ah yeah. i have never done that. i didnt have the internet for a while so i didnt bother. im really not sure what computer she has. it was just a bought package however it did come with xp and has got the valid codes etc on the side

 

[alanuofm]

well then go for it!! good luck

 

[Lax]

cool, cheers guys. im not trying to do anything dodgey here. i dont remember typing in any codes when i restarted my machine though? arent they automatic?

Yes and No. With a re-install disk (such as the one you're talking about) they might be automatic, because it is streamlined into the disk. Installing a fresh copy of windows with a vaild XP disk you are required to put the code in. So trying to install your windows on her machine is indeed illegal if it already has a serial key bound to your machine. If it is an actual XP disk and you need a serial, then yes, you can install it on her machine, so long as you use her serial that CAME with her machine.

 

[apj101]

well if your gf has her own xp serial number you can do that legally. if the computer is purchased via retail there should be a serial number sticker on the side or back somewhere

most recovery cds i have worked with, as the one you are describing do not afford this option.

With a re-install disk (such as the one you're talking about) they might be automatic, because it is streamlined into the disk.

exactly.

 

[Hairy_Lee]

in my experience recovery disks will only work on the machine they came, i believe they look for specific hardware ID's

 

[Praetor]

cool, cheers guys. im not trying to do anything dodgey here. i dont remember typing in any codes when i restarted my machine though? arent they automatic?

Yes and No. With a re-install disk (such as the one you're talking about) they might be automatic, because it is streamlined into the disk. Installing a fresh copy of windows with a vaild XP disk you are required to put the code in. So trying to install your windows on her machine is indeed illegal if it already has a serial key bound to your machine. If it is an actual XP disk and you need a serial, then yes, you can install it on her machine, so long as you use her serial that CAME with her machine.

Sounds like its a restoreCD rather than a windowsCD so it really wont matter (because odds are it wont work)

in my experience recovery disks will only work on the machine they came, i believe they look for specific hardware ID's

Well i dont think they are that specific but they are usually locked to a series or even brand.

 

[Hairy_Lee]

i had a system once that had a recovery disk... i upgraded the ram, graphics and hard drive through the manufacturer... when i came to reinstall the OS it refused to work.
i think it looks at the DMI information... i suppose it'll depend on the manufacturer

 

[Praetor]

i think it looks at the DMI information... i suppose it'll depend on the manufacturer

Correct (but DMIs are hackable ... but that's starting to get excessively nitpicky)

 

[Charlie7940]

Well i dont think they are that specific but they are usually locked to a series or even brand.

Yes in most cases that is true. I must have gotten lucky then as I used my dell recovery cd to install XP on my custom build.