Can I use the reinstall XP/Vista CD to install on other systems ?

Can I use the reinstall CD that came with Precision M6400 to install on other systems ? Non- M6400, and perhaps non-dell ?
Can I use the same CD to install on multiple systems ?

 

No would be the answer

 

yes..... but you won't be able to install / activate the key

you have to get a new key

 

Yeah. The CD will physically work on any machine and any number of machines, but it won't activate automatically as it will on a Dell machine. You will need to provide your own legitimate key(s) and possibly call up Microsoft.

 

If the laptop has COA sticker, can I use the key from that ?

 

The XP one pulls a key from the machine I believe, and gets different ones depending on the machine. Yes, I have tested this to see.

The Vista gets the same key - I tried this on my new machine and old and it deactivates one automatically. If you can still enter a key after this point, then you can probably do it.

This only works on Dell machines, not non-Dell's. I just noticed that part.

For the above, I tried my Vista CD for my Latitude D630 on an Inspiron 6000 for testing purposes. I've also tried the XP for a Vostro on a Latitude and it worked. It's just Dells install point, with no drivers.