To my understanding you should be able to use the operating system CD from other Dell computer as long as it is same operating system on both computers. For example Dell computer, which had originally XP Home will not install XP Pro from other CD and other way around. I stand to be corrected though.

 

As far as utilities go, I do not think so, as drivers will be different, but that is not a big deal, as you can readily download the utilities/drivers on Dell website.

 

Ratz

Yes you can use the same Dell operating system cd on both Dell computers and it is legal as long as both have their own activation keys and are the same version of xp. Look for the key on a sticker on the bottom of the used laptop. The operating system belongs to the computer not the former owner. You might try getting the xp cd from him. If you don't have the license key, you will need to buy another copy of XP at retail. There are no Dell utilities on the operating system disk. You can download some of those from Dell Downloads.

Thanks for the clarification, Mary - I knew the OP owned the OS, but I assumed the CD used had to match the key on the PC - wouldn't be practical now that I think about it.   The activation keys are the key - pun intended :).

Very good. Thanks for all the replies.