Formatting disk drive and reinstalling Windows XP

[menonsangeetha]

Hello,

I want to format my disk drive (blank it out) and install Windows XP on my computer. Can I accomplish this using a Dell Reinstallation CD / Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2)?

 

[PhilFrisbie]

Yes, if that CD is the one that came with that PC.

 

[menonsangeetha]

hmm. and I thought I can just buy any such disk online. Why does it have to be the one that came with that PC?!

 

[PhilFrisbie]

OEM CDs look at the hardware and will only install on the right type of PC. For example, I cannot use my Acer XP CD to reinstall XP on my HP PC.

 

[menonsangeetha]

Best answer selected by menonsangeetha.