Can you upgrade to XP by using a backup disc?

[glowingnissan07]

My (currently broken) AMD duron PC didnt come with an OS on its 15 GB hard drive.

(Once I fix my motherboard), can I install windows XP by using my dad's XP backup disk for his PC? -and using his product key numbers, even though his PC is an HP and mines AMD?

If not,i dont want to pay $200 for Windows XP. Since i own the OS Windows 95, whats the cheapest i can upgrade to Windows XP?

:darth:

 

[RealBlackStuff]

You can install XP from any disk, BUT, you can use a CD-key only ONCE, so you can't use your dad's CD-key (or anybode elses for that matter).

You can buy OEM licenses from about $85.- onwards
http://www.nextag.com/windows-xp-oem/search-html
If you do, make sure you get a proper COA (Certificate Of Authenticity) and a KEY.
Also, only buy from a reputable company, NOT through these scammers/phishers that send you emails for cheap XP-Pro + Office 2003 for only $85.- etc. All they want is your creditcard-info.

 

[glowingnissan07]

well i mean my Dad's PC came with Windows XP already installed on it, so i dont think that his COA and Product Key Numbers were used already.

His backup disc has never been used.

What would i need to install XP from a backup disc? could i used my own COA numbers?

 

[RealBlackStuff]

Use this little program to find out your Dad's XP-key.
http://www.snapfiles.com/get/keyfinder.html

If it is different from the COA key, then you could borrow someone's full XP CD, and use that key. Do NOT try to install from recovery-disks or backup-discs.
I'm not sure on the legality of this procedure, but you should not have any problems activating your "new" XP this way.