Will a backup copy (to disk) of an installed XP the same as original install disk?

hhannam · 07-18-2008, 02:13 PM

Please forgive my basic ignorance on this type of matter, but.........

I have been looking on Ebay at used/refurbished computers for upgrading from my current and older P4 chip computer. One that I'm looking at says that it has a (legal and genuine version) of Windows XP Pro SP3 o/s installed on the custom built computer, but there's no disk.

If I were to purchase a computer like this, and make a back up copy of that installed o/s on my own disk, will there be any difference than if I had received the original installation disk or manufacturer's restore disk?.....or would the installed (and backup) o/s be considered an "unlicensed" copy?

**ThorXP** · 07-18-2008, 02:19 PM

I would check the eBay site for the report on the person or business selling the computer or equipment to see how reliable they are, anyways if you purchase a computer with a legal version of windows on it that has been refurbished I do not see why you should not get a windows install disk (Original) with it, if the installation is legal why not give the disk with it? I would be very leary.

I would check other ways of getting what you want and here is a good place to start:

http://3btech.net/

07-18-2008, 02:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
hhannam Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Delaware Posts: 99 OS: Windows XP Pro SP3 My System	Will a backup copy (to disk) of an installed XP the same as original install disk? Please forgive my basic ignorance on this type of matter, but......... I have been looking on Ebay at used/refurbished computers for upgrading from my current and older P4 chip computer. One that I'm looking at says that it has a (legal and genuine version) of Windows XP Pro SP3 o/s installed on the custom built computer, but there's no disk. If I were to purchase a computer like this, and make a back up copy of that installed o/s on my own disk, will there be any difference than if I had received the original installation disk or manufacturer's restore disk?.....or would the installed (and backup) o/s be considered an "unlicensed" copy?

07-18-2008, 02:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
ThorXP TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 2,568 OS: Windows XP Pro SP3, Kubuntu & Ubuntu 8.10	Re: Will a backup copy (to disk) of an installed XP the same as original install disk I would check the eBay site for the report on the person or business selling the computer or equipment to see how reliable they are, anyways if you purchase a computer with a legal version of windows on it that has been refurbished I do not see why you should not get a windows install disk (Original) with it, if the installation is legal why not give the disk with it? I would be very leary. I would check other ways of getting what you want and here is a good place to start: http://3btech.net/ __________________ I was always taught to respect my elders, but it keeps getting harder to find one. *Heaven goes by favorites, If it didn't then your dog would get in first. Amen.*