Gateway Parts

Can I install a copy of Windows from a dead Gateway laptop on a different PC?

I bought a Gateway laptop about 5 years ago that came with a copy of Windows XP. That laptop is dead and so that copy of Windows is no longer in use. Can I legally install that copy of Windows on a different computer (that is not a Gateway)? My sister bought a Dell laptop, which came with Vista and she doesn't like it. Will my OS install cd work?

Public Comments

1. First of all the copy of windows in the Gateway laptop is tied to the original hardware,you are not allowed to swap it.And even if you could as soon as the CD detects a non Getway BIOS on the other computer it will stop the installation
2. It won't be legal because it was an OEM version for that laptop. Also XP is going to be a dead duck soon. Vista has had enough fixes to make it stable enough to use, she's better sticking with that, than having a version that Microsoft will recognise as illegal and not update.
3. She needs to give VISTA a try. 2 1/2 year user and it is best OS yet...save Windows 7. VISTA leaves XP in the dust. Never looked back at XP after the VISTA experience.