Restore Disks

[TheGreatSatan]

Can they be used on any PC? Or is there something specific in a tower or Hard Drive that allows/disallows installation?

[Bopher]

I've used my restore disks on 3xNES from my Dell setup for XP. I had to call and register the number with MS but haven't had any issues lately. Plus I use the same disk to reinstall XP on the Compaq I'm using for file storage, but that one had its own reg code on the case. And I used most of the same components to build it.

[noopypoop]

I think that depending what company you get it from itts BIOS dependent,for example a Dell restore disk will only install on a computer that is running on a Dell BIOS.

[Bopher]

I have 2 sets of XP disks from dell because we bought 2 dells at the same time and I've used them in 2 other computers and just had to register the activation codes with MS. True though I had to find all the drivers to make anything work right because the dell ones were setup to install dell hardware but both systems are working great.

[Drum Thumper]

I think that depending what company you get it from itts BIOS dependent,for example a Dell restore disk will only install on a computer that is running on a Dell BIOS.

The only requirement regarding restore disks is that if you are restoring an OS that came OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), you must use an OEM disk. If you upgraded, you must use an upgrade disk. At least that's my understanding of it.

And as Bopher pointed out, it doesn't have to be the same disk that came with the system, it just needs to be OEM or Upgrade. As long as your code is legit, there should be no problems, unless you've done some major upgrading and/or transplanted a hard drive.

[SgtM]

True, but there are OEM disks, and manufacturer branded disks. You can't use an HP disk for a Dell and vice versa. Same thing with the product keys. You can't use an HP product key on an OEM disk and vice versa. It's weird I know, but that's why I always build my own stuff.

[Drum Thumper]

True, but there are OEM disks, and manufacturer branded disks. You can't use an HP disk for a Dell and vice versa. Same thing with the product keys. You can't use an HP product key on an OEM disk and vice versa. It's weird I know, but that's why I always build my own stuff.

I bet with enough time spent in nlite, this possibly could be sidestepped. Although you'd most likely be voiding warranties and whatnot too.

[XcOM]

yes there is a way to side step it, its one line in a text document which tell it what its installing weither it be:
Home,
XP,
Whistler,
OEM variations,
VLK Variations,
Tablet Variations,
Corp Variations.

But i won't go into details as its classed as illigel according to MS, as you could pay less for home, then turn it into Pro, the same can be said for server 2003.

Though i can't say the same for vista, i've not noticed anything yet, but i've not delved into the WIM files yet