OS X licensing

So how exactly does it work w/ apple since there doesn't seem to be an serial/license number needed.

The reason I'm asking is b/c my HD failed so I will be replacing the HD. However, when I bought the Macbook, it didn't come w/ an install CD. Didn't really give it much thought then. My other laptop is a dell which has the XP serial number on the bottom which would then allow me to use any dell XP install CD. But now so w/ this macbook.

We have another macbook with the install CD. Can I use that or do I need to buy another copy of the OS X?

 

if it from the same model of Macbook, it should work... otherwise you need a normal retail type version to install.... if the one from the other machine doesn't work it will tell you, it wont just mess something up, so you could try it.

 

I know it will work... tried it and almost went ahead with the install but decided against it due to this. I'm concerned about legality issues especially if I do software updates.

 

OS X doesn't have serial numbers or activations. As far as Apple is concerned, if you own a Mac you have a legit license for OS X. To be EULA compliant you would install the version of OS X your Mac came with originally. Nothing checks this, however. It's all faith-based.

 

Thanks... just didnt know if anything would come up during software updates.

 

Install disks are machine/generation specific though in their content - so the other set of install disks would have to be for the same-gen Macbook. All Apple machines come with OS X so there is no activation / licensing thing like Windows machines which can, of course, be specced with the OS of your choice.

 

You know you can always call into Apple Care ( If your in warranty ) and say you lost the disk and most of the time the agent will just send you a new install CD.

 

That is correct, there are no confirmations with Apple as far as serial numbers go. I have heard that, at least possibly in the past, reinstall discs are for their type of Mac only, so say a MacBook reinstall doesn't work for an iMac, and a Mac Pro reinstall doesn't work for a Mac Mini. I'm not sure, but I've heard this before.