Can I use 1 Windows XP CD to reboot a different computer?
Yes…but is the honest answer. You can boot your other computer with the XP CD and Windows will install, but there are some issues. Most obviously is the license one, XP is licensed for only one computer so if you also install it on a second one you are infringing Microsoft’s license to you. More importantly, since you are trying to restore to factory settings is what else is or is not on the CD. If it’s a Microsoft CD all you get is WIndows, none of the specific drivers or pre-installed software will be on it. If it’s an OEM CD for a different make and/or model of computer it will have the wrong drivers on it (probably) for hardware you don’t have. However, none of this is a showstopper, Windows has basic drivers for most hardware so your computer will work, you can then visit the website of your computer manufacturer and download the correct drivers. Any pre-installed software that was on your original recover CD will be lost to you unfortunately if you can’t find that CD.
