Windows 7: Windows 7 install on XP laptop

I have in my possession a windows 7 pro genuine key - I want to install windows 7 on my laptop I also have in my possession a windows 7 pro dell recovery disc. will the disc work with the key or is the key made for the original cd it came with?

Dell discs I don't believe require you to input the key. But once you have the OS installed, if it isn't already activated (sometimes it is strangely enough), under Control Panel --> System you can click on "Change Product Key" and then enter your product key and it will activate with it.

I intend to use the dell recovery cd as a full install of 7 pro is the thing so would the cd be only suited for the original key and motherboard or would it work regardless as a simple copy

It should work regardless because even if it doesn't activate initially, you have your product key that you can use to activate.

No, you cannot use your key with a Dell Recovery Disk.

If it is a "recovery" disk I wouldn't use it at all. By recovery I mean the ones that just transfer a system image back to the hard drive. The ones that restore to a factory state. If you do actually get it to work it will install all the Dell drivers and bloatware. Not a good thing. If its Dell OEM branded install media, an actual modified Windows 7 install DVD it might work. Those disks use SLP, to look for a SLIC table in the BIOS. If the SLIC table is there and its the correct one, you don't get asked for a product code and activation is automatic. The DISK is tied to the PC's BIOS. If the SLIC table isn't there, or isn't the correct one, you might get lucky and it will just ask you for your product code. It may also just refuse to install and kick you back out. If its a "recovery" disk "set" I wouldn't even bother trying it. If its a modified Windows 7 DVD there should be a sources folder with an $OEM$ folder in it. The $OEM$ would contain the Dell branding info.

+1 Spot on.

Zaldar
You will need a Retail or OEM System Builder DVD.

Just download and burn an ISO. Microsoft distributes them.

Microsoft don't charge you for the disc, nor do they care if your only copy of Windows 7 is on a DVD-R or Flash Drive. All that matters is that you have a legit key.

Thats true enough but you can't download the ISO from Microsoft unless you have a TechNet or MSDN subscription. You have to be very careful where you download your ISO from. A better option may be to borrow a DVD from a friend and make an ISO image from it. It doesn't even have to be the same version as you can make it a universal disk. Just make sure its 32 bit if you want 32 bit or 64 if you want 64 bit.
Windows 7 Universal Installation Disc - Create[2]=General Tips

USB Windows 7 Installation Key Drive - Create

you can download a ISO from the a Retailer's website, when paying for the key.