Possible to use disk on another computer with unique license?

[Matt]

I've got a laptop that was issued with XP pro and a unique
license key stuck right on it. No XP disk was issued,
instead IBM put the XP installation files on a "recovery"
partation. Last night I accidentally blew away the
recovery partition trying to re-partition my HD. IBM says
they'll issue me a recovery CD -- for $35. I'd rather skip
the expense, since XP came with the laptop.

I've got the XP Pro installation disk that I purchased for
my home computer. Can I use it to install XP on my laptop,
using the unique license key that came with my laptop? The
way I see it, this should be OK, but who knows? Microsoft
FAQs seem to be very silent on this issue. I don't want to
get falsely accused of piracy when I go to activate it.

 

[Matt]

Doesn't work. The laptop was issued with an OEM release
(duh) and the installation disk I have won't install with
the OEM license key.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Matt;
Microsoft FAQ is silent on this because OEM came with the computer.
You need to consider OEM as being manufacturer, distributed and
supported by the seller and not Microsoft.
The key will not work as you suggest as the different keys are not
interchangeable.
You seem to have 2 choices:
1. Buy from IBM for $35.
2. Buy retail $150-$300.

 

[Nicholas]

Right! My Ford ignition key won't fit in a Lexus ignition switch either!

--
Nicholas

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| Doesn't work. The laptop was issued with an OEM release
| (duh) and the installation disk I have won't install with
| the OEM license key.