Yes - BUT only if this is a self build or local build. Factory built machines have the operating system tied to the motherboard, Microsoft changed the rues on this perhaps 6 years ago.

If you are considering this then perhaps the new computer will be a home or local build?

and be sure you have the actual xp cd not a recovery cd from the other computer. What does the "new" computer have on it ?

Actually it is a computer that has everything erased including the OS.

Actually it is a computer that has everything erased including the OS.

What is? The old one or the one you wish to use?

If this wiped computer is the one you wish to reinstall on then is it a known brand computer or a local build? If it is a known brand like HP, Compaq or some other brand it should have a sticker on the side of the tower with the 25 digit activation code. If it has that then you can use this other XP CD you have to install your operating system. HOWEVER be sure to enter the 25 digit code from the side of the tower and not use the one with the CD. That way the CD is still available for use elsewhere should you need to do so at any time.

As this computer has been wiped you will need to scour the internet to find drivers for the neywork, sound and all other periphrals. Does this computer have a make and model number?

It is the new computer that has everything erased.
The new computer is a laptop. It does have a make and model number. It was bought from a school. Cannot get the 25 digit code from old computer as the repair shop just gave us the old hardrive. We purchased a new desktop from them that has Win 7.

You may have device driver issues when installing Windows XP on a new computer. Many of the components like graphics cards, network adapters, sound cards, and even the system board may lack drives that would allow them to work with Windows XP.

Your computer was made to work with Windows 7 and I would be surprised if at least some of the components are not supported in Windows XP. A company is not going to pay to develop drivers for devices that are designed to work with a different operating system.

I think we may be misunderstanding, to clarify this "new" laptop is actually one that is not brand new but is used and has been wiped clean and now has no OS and you would like to install your XP on it from your XP cd? Do you know did this laptop have XP on it originally? IF so does this laptop have the code on it for the original installation of XP? If so you can use that code.

The windows 7 desktop is not at all part of this discussion correct? you are not trying to put xp on that desktop?

I think some are thinking the OP is wanting to put xp on a computer that has 7 on it, in effect downgrading. I do not think that is the case .... is it?

You are correct about all of what you asked. The used laptop has no code on it but had XP. I am looking to put XP from old dead computer onto used clean laptop. So sorry if I made this so confusing.
Thank you for your help.
Carol

If the XP you wish to use came from a factory built computer you cannot do it.

You need to look on the underside of a laptop for the 25 digit key.