Windows XP Pro. Recovery CD to new HD

I have a Windows XP Professional Recovery CD with CD Key from my old Dell desktop (now trash).

Does this CD work only with Dell HD with hidden file and partition?

Or it can work with any new HD?

Thank you very much.

 

I've had varying luck with Dell XP CDs. Some that I've used refused to install on a non-Dell, while some installed just fine on any computer, but required the license key if you weren't installing to Dell hardware (these copies actually didn't require you to input the license key if installed directly to Dell hardware). All I can suggest is give it a try to see which category this one falls into .

Keep in mind that, technically, OEM copies of Windows, like the one that came with your old Dell, are ONLY licensed for installation on one machine, so installing it on a new machine, even though the old machine has been junked, could be considered piracy by MS, which may result in WGA screwing you.

 

Hmmm... Since that Dell doesnt make a computer without Windows, there will be a product key on the side of the box. As long as this is the same as the os that you wish to install, you can still use the product key on the side of the box. Now.. Not every OEM cd is made the same. Most OEMs bios lock thier cds to only work on thier computers. Also the product key has already been registered with the original hardware. Usually a key that is registered with a Dell Dimension wont work on a Latitude. It will require a call to MS.
GL