Restore and recovery CDs used by an OEM are specifically designed for the computer it came with, and therefore don’t work with other computers. Often a restore CD made by the same manufacturer may not even work with other computers from the same manufacturer. If you lost the disc that came with your computer, contact the computer manufacturer to obtain a new copy or download a copy from the Internet.

This page is relating to an OEM restore CD and not a standard Microsoft Windows CD purchased from a retail store. A Microsoft Windows CD works with any computer.

  • How to create a copy of Windows software.

What happens if I use another computer’s disc?

If successful at getting the restore CD to start and complete, it’s likely you could encounter hardware issues. Restore CDs install drivers specific to certain hardware. Therefore, unless Windows has drivers for your hardware, you’ll be missing some.

  • See the restore disc definition for further information and related links.