Standardized Windows Installer Discs
By
Staten Island, NY Posted: 11/5/2016 1:00:00 AM
Why can't I use a Windows CD from a Dell on an HP and Vice Versa?
This has bugged me for years. If I have to replace a hard drive from an HP, Dell, or Lenovo, why must I somehow find the original HP, Dell, or Lenovo Windows Installation Disc? As it stands now, with most major brands whenever you need to reinstall Windows, you have to find a copy that matches the brand of your computer, or it will tell you it can't activate it with your serial number.
As long as it's the same version of Windows, you should be able to use ANY OEM Windows disc, regardless of the brand.
The problem was bad enough when each new PC at least came with a physical CD or DVD. Back then, you were told to put in a safe place, just in case you ever needed to reinstall Windows.
Unfortunately, most manufacturers phased on the discs, in favor of putting a copy of the media in a separate partition on the hard drive. The trouble with that is you can't use that partition to reinstall Windows onto a NEW hard drive, unless you took the time and effort to make a copy of the Windows Installation discs BEFORE the drive failed.
Making matters worse, some OEM CDs are hard to find. Most of them don't put them on their websites, I've even seen some companies require you to purchase a physical disc and wait for it to come in the mail. This is pointless.
The bottom line is that when you need to reinstall Windows, you should be able to use ANY copy of Windows, and you should be able to get a copy from the manufacturer or Microsoft's web site that will work with whatever brand you own, as long as you are trying to install a version that matches your serial number.
Joe Crescenzi, Founder
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