Can I use XP recovery disk for virtual install?


  1. Hazel123
    Posts : 424
    Windows 10
       New #1

    Can I use XP recovery disk for virtual install?


    In particular - this XP recovery disk is for a Disney netpal netbook - and comes with a whole package of Disney software including a full desktop, games etc. Haven't tried a virtual install before - can you use existing disks to install or is it limited to a downloaded iso? Have Windows 10 Pro so is best to use the software in that or some other method like Virtual Box?
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  3. Berton
    Posts : 14,640
    Win10 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home, Win7, Linux Mint
       New #2

    Can't answer the questions but "back in the day" OEMs or Vendors could code the install disc to not work on hardware other than what it came with, had a refurbished IBM Thinkpad that way where the recovery software wouldn't work on a different Notebook. It could also be that way with a standard install disc that is Branded by the vendor. Another example is an Office 2007 disc I have that is branded Gateway and won't install on any other brand, since I no longer have a Gateway machine the disc is useless.

    Another consideration is the edition of WinXP, usually came as 32-bit although WinXP Professional was also available as 64-bit, just not much used as programs were slow in coming about.

    Seems it would be best to try as a VM otherwise it might screw up the Win10 install. Also keep in mind what device drivers will be needed or be available.
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  4. Hazel123
    Posts : 424
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       New #3

    Thanks. Yes the disks are for the small laptop I've upgraded to Windows 10 so will probably only work with that laptop. Both are 32 bit. The drivers etc are all on the disks - would that work? I can always install Windows 10 again - it's a new install . Just not sure how to go about doing the virtual bit!
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  6. LMiller7
    Posts : 1,254
    Windows 10 Pro
       New #4

    An XP restore disk is unlikely to work on a computer other than that which it was designed for.

    Normal install media includes a wide variety of drivers for the hardware on which it might be installed. This is not the case with recovery media which contains drivers for the hardware for that the computer has and little else. Including more would serve no useful purpose. And omitting them has the added benefit to the OEM of leaving more space for other software.

    OEMs pay very little per unit for the OS. In exchange for this the copy of the OS has some limitations. One is that Microsoft will provide no direct support to the user, this being provided by the OEM. Another is that the OS be used only on the hardware it was sold with. The OEM is expected to take reasonable precautions that recovery media is not used on other computers. As it turns out there are some relatively simple precautions an OEM can take that are quite effective. Leaving out unnecessary drivers being just one.
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  7. Hazel123
    Posts : 424
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       New #5

    Thanks. The disks are for that computer But not installed directly - just wondering if they'd work as a virtual install. The drivers are all on the disk.
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  8. LMiller7
    Posts : 1,254
    Windows 10 Pro
       New #6

    Installing an OS in a virtual machine is like installing in a completely different computer. The OS sees the emulated hardware of the virtual machine. An XP recovery disk is very unlikely to successfully install on a virtual machine.
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  9. Hazel123
    Posts : 424
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       New #7

    Ok cheers.
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