Is installing XP from dell reinstall disk the same as installing from a retail copy?

[NoodleTech]

I purchased OEM windows xp pro sp2 a while ago and now I need to reformat. I pop the disk in to reinstall windows and it doesn't install correctly, so I look at the surface of the disk and its scratched pretty badly.

I already have a windows XP pro license, but my disk is scratched, so I need another copy. I do have a dell windows xp pro sp2 reinstallation disk that came with my dell laptop handy. I was wondering if installing XP from the dell disk is the same as installing it from my purchased copy of XP.

The computer I'm reinstalling XP on is not a dell. It is a custom built PC.

I recall not having to enter a CD key when I used the reinstallation disk to reinstall XP on my dell laptop. Is this because I used the disk on a dell? If i installed XP using the dell disk on my custom built PC will it prompt me for a CD key?

If anyone can answer my question I'd appreciate it.

Thanks.

 

[Seppe]

hey,
if its a recovery disc u made than that won't work, as far as i know, cuz that has every driver for dell on it and istalls them without asking. if its a normal disc its worth a shot. worst case would be that i doesnt install so u would be back to square one.

anyway if u cant find anything better u could download an install iso, u have the licence and ms doesn't really care where u got the cd from. my brother did the same thing, his laptop xp home went nuts, and instead of using craploaded recovery disc he downloaded a iso installed that, works fine ever since.

 

[NoodleTech]

its not a recovery disk. i called dell and requested a windows xp reinstallation disk. when i installed it on my dell laptop it had no drivers at all. I'd prefer not to try to install it without knowing what it will do or download the iso because both are time consuming and I just need a working computer right now.

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: NoodleTech
I recall not having to enter a CD key when I used the reinstallation disk to reinstall XP on my dell laptop. Is this because I used the disk on a dell?

Yes

If i installed XP using the dell disk on my custom built PC will it prompt me for a CD key?

Yes

 

[htne]

Your cd key has to be for the same type of Windows XP as you are installing from the Dell cd.

If your cd key is for Pro, and you are installing Home, it won't work.

If your cd key is for Retail, and you are installing OEM, it won't work.

Your Dell cd is going to be OEM, not Retail. It could be either Home or Pro, and it should say clearly on the front of the cd.