Can I use a recovery disc for a different computer?

Tech-Geek, I agree with you 100%. I hope you are aware that the bit that you quoted (which appears in blue) was NOT written by me!

Just my two cents. Does it really matter as long as the proper product key is used on the proper computer? I think not and would not care either way if I needed to fix my computer.

Personally, if I were in a situation where I needed to use a disc which came with a computer other than the one the issue is with I honestly would care less about anything other than fixing my computer. Even if the disc came from a friend or neighbor.

I cannot tell you the number of times I have seen post here on MS Answers over the last two or more years where the assistant has instructed the OP to borrow a disc from a friend/neighbor to resolve their issue. Those instructions have been given by  normal users, moderators, MCC members and MVP members alike.

Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

And, on the Recovery CD I have it specifically states:  "Do not loan, lend or otherwise transfer...."

I personally perceive that as more of a statement for your own protection as opposed to a eula provision. JMO.

The goal of Product Activation is to reduce a form of piracy known as "casual copying" or "softlifting". Casual copying is a form of piracy characterized by the sharing of software between people in a way that infringes on the software's end user license agreement (EULA). For instance, Windows XP is primarily licensed for use on a single PC and without purchasing additional licenses cannot be installed on other machines. If someone were to obtain a copy of Windows XP and load it on his or her PC, then share it with a second person who loaded it on his or her PC, they would be guilty of casual copying.

This statement which is quoted above settles the issue in my opinion. The key phrase is "The goal of Product Activation". Nothing in the article nor the eula prohibits the use of a given Windows disc in anyway seen fit by the owner provided the the owner has a valid license key and the key is used only on one computer. The purpose of the limitations and grants therein deal strictly with activation. There is no mention whatsoever regarding the use of a disc on a different computer for repair or other purposes.  The below excerpt from the Windows Xp eula in no way prohibits what the OP here done.

1. GRANT OF LICENSE. Microsoft grants you the following rights provided that you comply with all terms and

conditions of this EULA:

• Installation and use.  You may install, use, access, display and run one copy of the Product on a single computer,

such as a workstation, terminal or other device (“Workstation Computer”).  The Product may not be used by

more than two (2) processors at  any one time on any single Workstation Computer. You may permit a maximum

of ten (10) computers or other electronic devices (each a “Device”) to connect to the Workstation Computer to

utilize the services of the Product solely for File and Print services, Internet Information Services, and remote

access (including connection sharing and telephony services).  The ten connection maximum includes any indirect

connections made through “multiplexing” or other software or hardware which pools or aggregates connections.

Except as otherwise permitted by the NetMeeting, Remote Assistance, and Remote Desktop features described

below, you may not use the Product to permit any Device to use, access, display or run other executable software

residing on the Workstation Computer, nor may you permit any Device to use, access, display, or run the Product

or Product’s user interface, unless the Device has a separate license for the Product.     

• Mandatory Activation. The license rights granted under this EULA are limited to the first thirty (30) days after

you first install  the Product unless you supply information required to activate your licensed copy in the

manner described during the setup sequence of the Product.  You can activate the Product through the use of

the Internet or telephone; toll charges may apply.  You may also need to reactivate the Product if you modify your

computer hardware or alter the Product.  There are technological measures in this Product that are designed to

prevent unlicensed or illegal use of the Product.   You agree that we may use those measures.

• Storage/Network Use. You may also store or install a copy of the Product on a storage device, such as a network

server, used only to install or run the Product on your other Workstation Computers over an internal network;

however, you must acquire and dedicate an additional license for each separate Workstation Computer on or

from which the Product is installed, used, accessed, displayed or run. A license for the Product may not be shared or

used concurrently on different Workstation Computers.

• Reservation of Rights. Microsoft reserves all rights not expressly granted to you in this EULA.

The full eula can be seen HERE.

Regardless, this OP has made a mockery of the entire forum and has manipulated those who assist by creating multiple threads all dealing with the same issue.

The goal of Product Activation is to reduce a form of piracy known as "casual copying" or "softlifting". Casual copying is a form of piracy characterized by the sharing of software between people in a way that infringes on the software's end user license agreement (EULA). For instance, Windows XP is primarily licensed for use on a single PC and without purchasing additional licenses cannot be installed on other machines.

That is PRECISELY my point!

We agree that the license cannot be transferred. Since the CDs are identical, there is no violation of the EULA.

Look at it this way:

If I have a choice of using this CD:

or this CD:

does it really matter which one I use since they are identical?

EDIT:

I will tell you what is not permitted by the EULA:

If one of the Dells came preinstalled with Windows XP Home and has the COA sticker on it as proof and the other Dell did not (let's assume it came with Linux or even Windows XP Pro for that matter), then it would be a violation of the EULA to install Windows XP Home on that other Dell. Do you see the difference?