will restore cd's work as dual boot?

I think you are trying to ask if you can use the XP that came on a previous desktop as a secondary OS on your new PC as long as you format the hard drive of the original PC.

I think the answer is No, because that copy of XP is limited to that hardware, and I remember reading somewhere that when you change the hardware drastically then sometimes your OEM copy of XP will not activate as it will think it is a new machine.

If you've bought a computer with Windows pre-installed then there is nothing stopping you from installing it on another machine so long as you are not using the old 1. XP will give notification that your hardware has changed and offer you the option to call for a new code, not costing anything. I've done this many times when changing hardware. Even a new CD/DVD writer can cause XP to ask for re-actiation

This is a fine line here.

You did purchase a license to use xp on one pc, but at the same time, that license is for the pc it came preinstalled on.

However, if you wipe the HDD and decide to reinstall on another, you can still use your OEM key.

When XP tells you it can't be activated, simply call the number it gives you for your location, and you will be asked if the os is installed on only one pc. Tell them yes and they will give you the activation key.

Hope this helps.

Scott

Hello Carmine,

Sorry, but a OEM XP like that will usually only work on the same computer that it came preinstalled on.

Yeah, it will only work on the PC it came preinstalled on, unless and until you call MS for a new activation code and explain that it is only installed on one machine and that there just was a significant/substantial change of hardware. At least that's my understanding, which could, of course, be wrong.

I wasn't exactly refering to the original media, as much as the OEM key itself. Getting a hold of an OEM copy of XP isn't that dfficult. And in some cases, the OEM restore cd will work with any pc. I have an old Dell desktop that came with Xp Home, and when that motherboard died, I pulled out what good components were left, shelved them, and used the Dell recovery cd to install on a home built system, using the OEM key. I simply called Microsoft Product Activation, they asked me if the software was store bought or OEM, and if it was on more then one computer. I told them it was OEM, and it was only on this one pc, they activated it.

Though I understand that all recovery software won't work like this.

Scott

Didn't read everything that was said but just to add, restore DVD/CD's for one model computer will not work on another model even if it is the same brand.

Example;

I cannot use my Vista Home Premium Recovery discs from my HP Dv5-1235dx, on my Compaq SR5W223, it just simply won't work.