Reinstalling Windows XP on a Computer with Linux Only

[kestrel]

I had a laptop (sony vaio fs920) with Windows XP Home Edition. Right from the start i was having problems; start up took 5min+ and shut down took about the same. everything about it was just slow. So i downloaded Ubuntu 7.04 and did a complete install and deleted windows all together. I've been happy with ubuntu since i installed it, but now im feeling the pain of not being able to run windows programs. I still have my windows product key. So heres my question: If i had a windows cd (that came with another computer), could i fully reinstall windows on my laptop? using the same product key? Im not too sure if there are other factors in this operation. I just want to know what i can do.
Thanks so much.

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Kestrel

[drhowarddrfine]

You would need the product key for the cd you are installing but where the cd came from, that is, another computer, does not stop you from installing it. I do it all the time. You can't use the key from the other cd.

Coming from one who has not run Windows in two years. What could you be missing?

[kestrel]

What could you be missing?

Mostly my games. Im a huge flight sim fan, and X-Plane 8 doesnt work on linux (i have the pc version and im too cheap to buy the linux version). So im looking to dual-boot windows and ubuntu, just so i can play games :)

I just want to make sure im understanding this:
I have my computer (a) and a cd from computer (b). I can use my cd key with the other computer's cd?

Thanks alot

[drhowarddrfine]

You should have a product key for each cd. It doesn't matter what computer you try to install it on, it will install anywhere but the product key is unique to the cd and has nothing to do with the computer it's installed on.

Actually, it's supposed to matter and MS may complain if you constantly move the OS around to different hardware but it's no problem getting it 'validated'.

[kestrel]

Ok, thanks alot!

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Kestrel