Install XP from OEM Disc with different product key

[christopher.isherwood]

I have an older HP Pavilion currently collecting dust because Windows
is not working. Since the computer is HP, I have 'recovery partition'
instead of an OS installation disc. I do , though, have an OS
installation disc from Dell for my other PC.

Can I use the Dell disc to install the OS, and enter the product key
for the HP when activating?

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

You can try but it may not work.
Some OEMs have set up their media so it only works on a computer from
that manufacturer.

Even if it does work, you may be denied activation since the improper
media is used.

 

[GreenieLeBrun]

I have an older HP Pavilion currently collecting dust because Windows
is not working. Since the computer is HP, I have 'recovery partition'
instead of an OS installation disc. I do , though, have an OS
installation disc from Dell for my other PC.

Can I use the Dell disc to install the OS, and enter the product key
for the HP when activating?

Leagaly no, they are OEM editions and are tied to the hardware they came
with.

Practically probably not as the Dell disk will quite possibly be BIOS locked
to the particular model of Dell computer it came with, though you might be
lucky and get it to work.