Windows Serial Number Question

[Lord Zado]

Hi guys, I've seen various things posted about this in the past, but I can't remember if this would work. I bought a Dell system about 5 years ago and it came with a Windows XP Install Disk. I reinstalled windows once on the machine, but when I moved a year ago, I lost the disk during the move.

I just recently bought a new Laptop that came with a Windows XP w/ SP2 disk. I was wondering if I could use this disk to reinstall Windows on the old Dell desktop. I still have the serial number for the Dell Desktop Windows install(it's on the side of the case). Will that serial number work with an XP w/ SP2 CD?

Thanks!

 

[fuzzynavel]

All you can do is try!!!

Is the laptop branded in any way...i.e Dell, Gateway etc.....would it be a personalised OEM windows CD....

If in doubt just open your favourite file sharing app and download a backup copy of Win XP....Should be legal seeing as you have a separate unique legal key for your desktop.

If anyone sees this and I am wrong...please correct me!!!

 

[Slikkster]

Do you know if there's "hidden partitions" on your old Dell machine's hard drive? Those are frequently used to reinstall with (via the bios).

Also, look on your old Dell's hard drive for an "I386" folder. That might be all you need to install XP again.