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Can I install a Windows OS disc that came with one computer onto another one?

Update:

And if I can, which product key do I use? The one on the computer the disc came with (which I'm still using) or the computer I want to install it on?

13 Answers

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  • 6 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    It depends which version of Windows. HP install CD's, at least in the XP days, required that you have a specific model of HP computer, or they would not work.

    If the computer has the key on a sticker, most likely it is a manufacturer's OEM key. The key will NOT be accepted by a normal Windows install, but possibly, you can run a key change tool from Microsoft later to make the key match the sticker. The key that came with the install disc should work with that disc. If someone else used that key previously, you may have trouble activating that copy of Windows.

  • Anonymous
    6 years ago

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    RE:

    Can I install a Windows OS disc that came with one computer onto another one?

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  • 6 years ago

    I think yes because I managed to install Windows Vista on a virtual machine from a disc that came with my Dell laptop. But I tried to use the key that came with my laptop - that didn't work. I ended up using a loader. This worked instead.

  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    You absolutely need a legitimate copy of Windows XP to install it. As such, you're going to have to pay the $100. If money is an issue and you want Windows, why do you even have a Mac? They're overpriced and you couldn't gotten a PC for less money with Windows.

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  • 6 years ago

    Use the license key of the computer you're using.

    However, I must warn you that some Windows OS discs are OEM customized, that means they are set for the machines from that manufacturer and are not generic. It may still work, but it may not.

  • 6 years ago

    OEM operating systems can't be installed on any computer except the original computer Windows was installed on. The signals from the motherboards and the software would no longer match up with Microsoft, so their Windows software wouldn't work correctly.

  • 6 years ago

    i think 50% yes and 50% no because if any disc provided by company usually it comes with a registration key and you can use it or not it depandes on the key not on disc and many disc's come with open which can be used on more then 15 or more computers so it depends....

  • 6 years ago

    No, unless, both of your PC's share the EXACT same Make and Model Number. (NOT Likely)

    And, the EXACT Same version of Windows had to have been FACTORY pre-installed, as well.

    Why? Because most Factory DVDs are OEM versions, to prevent them from being PIRATED.

  • Anonymous
    6 years ago

    If it is a full version of windows then it will work, but you can't put it on more than 1 computer...

    Source(s): Me, playin with PC's since 1995
  • 6 years ago

    Nope. did you know that good old microsoft instal disk are writable? That's how the disk knows how many times it been used.

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