Using XP Home and Acronis True Image Home

Question

What is the best method to install XP home or Proff each day on a new HD ?
I buy used PC's with the legit 25 install key either for Home or Proff. Most are Dell PC's.

Can Acronis True Image Home be used to clone the hard drive after the initial install before any program or drivers is added to it?
Then use Acronis True Image Home to restore the XP Clone to the new HD ? Each PC has the legit 25 install key.

Can the Cloned HD be restored on a new HD in a Dell or Compaq PC but not necessarily the same make and model PC ? Will a HD that is moved to a different DELL model load the drivers , etc for a different MOBO, Video, Audio, et ?

Should the Acronis True Image Home be used to CLONE a HD in a Generic No Name PC for future RESTORE in a Dell or Compaq ?
What would you do ?

Thank you from New Orleans

ejn63 · Answer

Any given image will work only on the hardware where it's created - it'll fail if you install it on a foreign set of hardware.

If you use an OEM Dell disc (which you must, if you use the product key on the system) to do the install, the image you make will not work on any other type of computer - OEM copies are locked to the OEM BIOS.

lsuedulive · Answer

Thank you EJN63 for the quick response.

I use a Retail version of XP that I bought from a Retail store. I will test with it on a Dell and a HP instead of using the OEM Dell CD.

Enjoy the rest of your Cajun Gumbo

ejn63 · Answer

Just realize that you'll need retail keys for that copy of Windows - the OEM keys affixed to the systems will not work.

lsuedulive · Answer

Thank you for that tip. I enjoy testing and learning what it will do. I also have an eMachine with an install CD to make it a little more interesting

Productivity Software

Using XP Home and Acronis True Image Home

Was this post helpful?