Installing with OEM XP other computer

[timgym]

My parents don't have their original XP installation discs to their dell computer and a reinstall is required as their current hard drive failed completely. My question is can i use my OEM XP installation disc to instal on a different hard drive using their 25 activation code thats on the side of their dell computer? I wasnt sure if a specific activation code is tied to each XP instal disc. Is there a legal way to get around installing with my copy onto another computer using a different activation code?

 

[aford10]

OEM discs aren't really installation discs. They are more like restore discs. They are tied to the OEM hardware. If you have the same model of computer, and the same version of windows, yes. If not, then no.

 

[Guest]

Just borrow a Dell Windows XP CD from someone.

 

[timgym]

Best answer selected by timgym.