Can a XP reinstallation CD be used to load XP onto my new system?

[Vin0134]

I'm looking to put together a new PC, my first one I'll be building. As always, I'm trying to get the best equipment and looking for the best prices. Right now the software I want is going to cost me $420 (XP Pro Retail, Microsoft Office Student and Teacher, Norton Internet Security). I have a XP Home Edition w/ SP2 reinstallation CD and Serial Number that came with my Dell Laptop. My question is that when I first install XP onto my new computer, should I not use the reinstallation disk? Would that work fine? Yes I know the disk is Home edition and I want Pro. I plan to buy the upgrade edition which is cheaper than the full edition of Pro. Or should I just stick with Home Edition and and save myself $200? Sorry if this is a noob question.

 

[Navid]

Officially, you should not use the XP OS that came on your Dell on any other computer as it is OEM and is tied to the machine. Even if the original machine dies, officially, you cannot install it on any other machine.

http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/partners/YourPC_do.mspx

From that page:
Another common misconception is that you can transfer a preinstalled or OEM copy of Windows from an "old" machine to a new machine. An OEM software license may not be transferred from and old machine to a new machine?even if that machine is no longer in use. The OEM license is tied to the machine on which it was originally installed and can't be transferred to other machines.

 

[GilletteCat]

Although, when you shop for the components for your new system, do shop for the OEM version XP Pro as well, because the guys who sell you the hardware will, most likely, be able to set you up with windows as well, and much much much cheaper than you getting it in Retail. And yes, legally!!!

 

[Varun]

It would be a violation of the licensing agreement to use the OEM XP from your laptop on another computer. It may not even work at all, as it may check the BIOS to make sure it is being installed on the right computer.

Buy XP Home OEM (much much cheaper than retail).

Do a quick search here, there is a nice link showing the features you get with Pro over Home, however most people wouldn't use them so get Home unless there is something Pro offers that you want.

Ditch the Norton crap. Norton is just a big system hog. There are free Antivirus programs you can get such as AVG and AntiVir and they work well. XP has a built in firewall, so you don't need another one running. I'm not sure how Norton bloatware finds its way onto so many computers...

It's hard to replace Office as it has become the standard office suite.

That drops your software well under $200.

 

[Vin0134]

What's the difference between the OEM and Retail versions?

 

[Varun]

OEM is stuck with the computer it is installed on, at least legally. Retail can be installed on multiple computers, but only ONE at a time.

 

[firewall]

Originally posted by: Varun
It would be a violation of the licensing agreement to use the OEM XP from your laptop on another computer. It may not even work at all, as it may check the BIOS to make sure it is being installed on the right computer.

Buy XP Home OEM (much much cheaper than retail).

XP Pro OEM can be had from newegg.

OEM is tied to a specific vendor computer system IF you get the installation disc from that vendor like Compaq, etc. Some vendors don't even do that. They give you plain unmodifed XP discs which can be used with other systems (not legally, ofcourse). Such unmodified discs (legal, with valid liscense and serial key) are the one newegg sells. Many people use them because getting the retail one is useless and expensive.

If even that is expensive, you can use Linux.

Ditch the Norton crap. Norton is just a big system hog. There are free Antivirus programs you can get such as AVG and AntiVir and they work well. XP has a built in firewall, so you don't need another one running. I'm not sure how Norton bloatware finds its way onto so many computers...

XP's builtin firewall is crap. You can get the free ZoneAlarm or else ZoneAlarm Pro . I have been using it and it secures all your internet and network access.

You can get the free antivirus programs too IF they are good. I keep NAV because it is better to be safe than sorry.

It's hard to replace Office as it has become the standard office suite.

That drops your software well under $200.

That is false. OpenOffice is a very nice open-source software which is comparable to MS Office and even exceeds it in some cases. I myself am using it and it runs perfectly.

Downloading OpenOffice would save you the money wasted on MS Office.