I have a disc to Restore Windows Vista, will it work on all computeres with 32-bit Windows Vista?

It may work, but keep in mind this is a ‘Restore’ disk, not a straight operating system. This means that if it works, you may end up installing drivers and programs for your HP on whatever system you use the disk on, which could cause errors. This can be fixed after installation, so it shouldn’t be too bad, but it may be a big hassle.

The other chance is that the restore disk will recognize your system (there are a few ways, such as hardware configuration or a hidden partition), and stop itself from working on another system. So, it may just not work.

So, it’s probably worth a shot to try, but there are a few ways it could not work, just to warn you. It may be better to find a straight vista disk and use it, instead, if you can find one.

Also, keep in mind that you will need a proper product code for windows to work. If you don’t have one for vista for the Sony, you can’t use the code from your HP. Windows stores your hardware configuration with the product code, and won’t work with a code for a different computer.

Many times, those restore discs work only on one particular make/model of machine. I tried using a Dell restore CD on something other than a Dell and it wouldn’t take the product key and thus would not complete the install.

That is why I have a retail copy of WinXP Pro. I’ve managed to install it on many PCs over the years using the same key.

@BhacSsylan, @jerv – Thank you for your answers. If the disc does stop itself I really have nothing to lose then. I will try this.

Well, make sure you have a way to restore the Sony with another disk, before you start. It’s always a good idea to have a backup.

and backup data too, of course

Anything but Windows ME is total garbage.

If its an OEM license (Most OS’s shipped with the PC’s are) then the OS is bound to that specific PC, also the Royalty (IBM, Gateway, Dell, HP, Etc.) OEM Keys will only work with that specific manufactures hardware (there is a id string hard-coded into the BIOS). A HP restore cd will theroitcly work on another HP machine, but not HP to DELL. Also you are violating the software licence terms if you do this.

@rottenit – Alright, I don’t care about software license, but if it doesn’t work I won’t bother.