Can I re-use my Windows XP Pro disk for another computer?

[JoeFahey]

I am about to build my parents a computer. All they ned now is an OS. My system runs Windows XP Pro. Can I take my OS disk and use it to install XP on their new rig?

THANKS!

 

[DaveSimmons]

Originally posted by: JoeFahey
I am about to build my parents a computer. All they ned now is an OS. My system runs Windows XP Pro. Can I take my OS disk and use it to install XP on their new rig?

THANKS!

Not legally, and you'll both have issues trying to get updates after you do.

Get them a Dell with legal copy of Windows, it's cheaper than building it yourself and fine for non-gamers.

 

[JoeFahey]

It's already built. Before I went to Staples and bought XP Home, I was just wondering if I could save $100.

Thanks.

 

[BZeto]

No you cant.
You'll get problems when you try to activate it on the parents computer using the same license.

 

[cubby1223]

To answer the exact question, yes you can use the same cd.

But the more important side of the question, no you cannot use the same product key on both computers, which I think is what you're ultimately asking about.

Like I've got my own copies of XP Home & Pro oem cd's, and whenever I build a new computer for someone, I use the spare cd I have while using the new product key I bought, so I can keep the packaging all together when giving everything to the buyer.

 

[KLin]

Originally posted by: JoeFahey
I am about to build my parents a computer. All they ned now is an OS. My system runs Windows XP Pro. Can I take my OS disk and use it to install XP on their new rig?

THANKS!

The CD doesn't matter. You need to have a separate license to run XP PRO on a different PC, which requires a different cd-key.