I've just built a system using my old drives and new motherboard, graphics, processor, RAM, PSU etc. A friend told me that because I was using my old hard drive, I could still use the recovery discs of my old computer to use in the new one. My problem is that when everything is hooked up on the new computer and I switch it on, I cant start windows. I presume that this was because it formatted the drive, as I expected after installing a new motherboard from a different manufacturer, but when I put in the recovery discs it says "These recovery CDs do NOT support this compaq pc model". So it still recognises the computer as a Compaq, but not the recovery discs. Is it possible the hard drive, or CD-ROM drives are not connected properly, or is my computer no longer considered to be a Compaq and I therefor need to buy XP. If you have any other suggestions for solutions to the problem you are more than welcome to put them forward.
If I was to buy XP and install it on my new computer, could I use the discs to install XP onto another computer of mine but using the serial number of my old computer?