Using a recovery or restore cd on another computer?

[psongman]

Hi, my old computer just completely died. I have the restore CD and am
purchasing a new used computer from a friend....but he wiped out all
the hard drive data, etc, so no OS. Now, can I use my restore or
recovery disk to get my newest one up and running. I keep hearing, that
you can't by everyone on the Net. However, the third day and one other
time, the whole thing crashed and I used the restore disk to repair it.
The Windows software is on this cd, not on a separate one, so I don't
understand why you can't use it. Please enlighten me if this can be
done and why, if not. If the hard drive on the new used computer is
blank, why wouldn't it accept the restore CD, if set to boot from CD. I
have my suspicions that this can be done, but noone wants to admit it
for software piracy and reuse issues. Anyway, will await your
expertise, appreciate it, Derek

 

[Malke]

Hi, my old computer just completely died. I have the restore CD and am
purchasing a new used computer from a friend....but he wiped out all
the hard drive data, etc, so no OS. Now, can I use my restore or
recovery disk to get my newest one up and running. I keep hearing,
that you can't by everyone on the Net. However, the third day and one
other time, the whole thing crashed and I used the restore disk to
repair it. The Windows software is on this cd, not on a separate one,
so I don't understand why you can't use it. Please enlighten me if
this can be done and why, if not. If the hard drive on the new used
computer is blank, why wouldn't it accept the restore CD, if set to
boot from CD. I have my suspicions that this can be done, but noone
wants to admit it for software piracy and reuse issues. Anyway, will
await your expertise, appreciate it, Derek

Restore Disks are usually an *image* of the operating system and
possibly some OEM-specific utilities. That image will have been based
on installing the operating system onto particular hardware, which will
be different on the new computer. In addition, the OEM Restore Disk may
be BIOS-locked to the original motherboard and when the installation
routine doesn't find the correct motherboard, it won't even install.
Note how I am purposely not addressing the legality of the issue. Too
many other people will.

If you want to use a Microsoft operating system, you have to buy one.
Otherwise, download a free Linux distro and install that instead.

Malke

 

[ANONYMOUS]

, so I don't
understand why you can't use it.

You can't use it because MS loses money. PERIOD.

The restore CD contains details of your old systems and you will
struggle making it work on your another system. You will waste a lot of
time and frustration will build up and you may become suicidal!

If you have an old CD of Windows 98 then you can install it. You can
also qualify for an upgrade version of Retail Version of Windows XP with
this Win98 CD. It does not need to be on the system but should be
available during installation of XP.

hth

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Following the EULA it can't since you have OEM and normally OEM is
permanently tied to the original computer regardless the condition of the
original computer.

Also the major OEMs tie theirs to the motherboard.
If this is what you have, then it may not be possible at all if the
computers are from different manufacturer.

There are different answers to this question because there are many possible
situations.
You did not give enough specifics.

In any case, there is the EULA.

 

[psongman]

Wow,didn't know that. Can you just use the Windows part of the recovery
Cd, seems that should be an option? Thanks again for all the help, been
shoveling ice and snow all day, so it was a welcome relief, Derek

 

[Guest]

The Restore CD that came with your old computer
is only licensed for use on that particular computer.
It will not install on a different computer. When your
old computer died, so did that license.

You'll need to purchase a conventional "Full Version"
of Windows XP for installation on your new computer.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Hi, my old computer just completely died. I have the restore CD and am
purchasing a new used computer from a friend....but he wiped out all
the hard drive data, etc, so no OS. Now, can I use my restore or
recovery disk to get my newest one up and running. I keep hearing,
that you can't by everyone on the Net.

There are two issues here: a licensing one and a technical one.

1. The licensing issue: Yours, since you have a restore CD is an OEM
version; an OEM version's license ties it permanently to the first computer
it's installed on. It can never legally be moved to another computer, sold
by itself, or given away.

2. The technical issue: Many OEM version that come with computers are
BIOS-locked to that computer, and can't be used on another one. Even if it's
not BIOS-locked, it may be customized for the particular computer and not
have support for deviceson the new computer.

 

[psongman]

Ok, I have carefully listened to the replies and contacted someone
whose information I trust. My Windows 98SE and all its contents were on
the restore CD and I have the license. So, why can't I just buy a
Windows XP upgrade and load that onto to the new used computer. If I am
not allowed to do this, what am I permitted to do with the Windows 98SE
and the ID number? Please direct me to the proper procedures to follow.
Thanks again for all the assistance, Derek

 

[Guest]

.. The technical issue: Many OEM version that come with computers are
BIOS-locked to that computer, and can't be used on another one.

the product key and license are tied to the original MB of old computer.
will not work on diffrerent MB in different computer.

plain english

 

[Ghostrider]

Ok, I have carefully listened to the replies and contacted someone
whose information I trust. My Windows 98SE and all its contents were on
the restore CD and I have the license. So, why can't I just buy a
Windows XP upgrade and load that onto to the new used computer. If I am
not allowed to do this, what am I permitted to do with the Windows 98SE
and the ID number? Please direct me to the proper procedures to follow.
Thanks again for all the assistance, Derek

Just repeating what others have written: (1) It is OK to restore
the Windows 98SE to the computer. (2) It is possible to upgrade
the Windows 98SE by buying a Windows XP Upgrade cdrom or using
one's whose XP product key is not in use on any other computer.
(3) There is no such thing as a Windows XP upgrade OEM version.
And, (4) A Windows XP OEM cdrom, esp. a recovery disc, is locked
to a specific computer brand or motherboard.

 

[Steve N.]

The Restore CD that came with your old computer
is only licensed for use on that particular computer.
It will not install on a different computer. When your
old computer died, so did that license.

You'll need to purchase a conventional "Full Version"
of Windows XP for installation on your new computer.

There you go again! A "Full version" is not needed. A Generic OEM or an
Upgrade version (providing the OP has an Win9X/ME CD) would do the job
nicely and save a lot of money.

Steve N.

 

[Guest]

:

2. The technical issue: Many OEM version that come with computers are
BIOS-locked to that computer, and can't be used on another one. Even if it's
not BIOS-locked, it may be customized for the particular computer and not
have support for deviceson the new computer.

Pre WinXP OEM were never Bios Locked. Only when M$ came out with this new
thingy called activation that they are bios locked. However, First versions
(pre SP1 versions) of OEM from DELL were not bios locked but they have
corrected this now with SP2 versions.

The OP can get free support by posting queries on this NG and you will be
the first one to jump from your bed to help him out! You are an MVP aren't
you?

DW

 

[Guest]

Derek,

Cut the crap and let me advise you one thing. If the restore CD contains
Win98SE then you can install it on a new PC without any problems. Win98SE
never required any activation.

Whether it is legal or not is for you to decide but I can only explain the
techical feasibility of installation. There are lots of idiots (e.g. Carey
Frish - Most Valuable Pig) and Jupitor Jones (another Most Valuable Pig) who
will talk about what is right and what is wrong based on their christian
faith, You should be only concerned about how you can make use of capitalism
to better your life. Jupitor Jones has recently joined a Christian
Fundamentalist Group who wants to preach morals based on his faith. I don't
subscribe to that crap. I am a scientist!

Taxidermists have better morals than JJ!

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Not correct.
I have a Windows 98SE Dell BIOS locked right in front of me right now.
An error message comes up if you attempt to install on anything but a Dell.
As we all know Activation did not apply to Windows 98.

 

[psongman]

Hi, well, thanks for the full round of replies. I think I am getting
the gist of what I will be encountering, trying to use my restore CD,
or upgrading eventually to XP. It seems that there are usually about 3
or 4 frames of reference....from Microhardies to Macrohelpers. I have
looked at that restore CD when in the throes of trying to get my
computer up and running after crashing, and, if I remember correctly
the Windows 98SE part was on there but separate, hmmmm. I can't imagine
why using the restore disk would cause so much hassle, but if Bios
locking is possible, then that could change installing realities. Well,
if you can come up with any more angles then I would be very
appreciative. Gratefully, Derek

 

[Plato]

Not correct.
I have a Windows 98SE Dell BIOS locked right in front of me right now.
An error message comes up if you attempt to install on anything but a Dell.
As we all know Activation did not apply to Windows 98.

Chances are it wouldn't work on anything but that model anyway. Even if
you could "hack" the bios lock.

 

[Plato]

You appear to be a new usenet user so allow me to offer this free
advice.

It doesnt' matter if you agree or disagree with fellow poster. However,
if you call names and try to degrade a poster in public, you are the one
who suffers and loses credibility, not them.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Not correct.
I have a Windows 98SE Dell BIOS locked right in front of me right now.
An error message comes up if you attempt to install on anything but a Dell.
As we all know Activation did not apply to Windows 98.

Ah! I'd encountered BIOS-locked OEM Win2K and WinMe installation CDs,
but hadn't come across one for Win98. It's interesting to note that
such anti-theft measures started so long ago.


--

Bruce Chambers

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You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH

 

[Steve N.]

Not correct.
I have a Windows 98SE Dell BIOS locked right in front of me right now.
An error message comes up if you attempt to install on anything but a Dell.
As we all know Activation did not apply to Windows 98.

That's true. We have bios locked Win98se CDs at work, too.

Steve N.

 

[Steve N.]

Not correct.
I have a Windows 98SE Dell BIOS locked right in front of me right now.
An error message comes up if you attempt to install on anything but a Dell.
As we all know Activation did not apply to Windows 98.

Will a BIOS locked Win98 CD work as qualifying media when using XP
Upgrade and clean install?

Steve N.