I have a recovery CD for Windows XP Home edition on my dell computer. Can I use this on other computers to put an OS on?

Nope as it's a model specific image.

What exactly does that mean?

The Recovery CD contains not only the operating system installation files but the drivers specific to the hardware included in that model of computer. They all get installed at the same time.

This is probably stupid but can you not just delete the drivers then and have the OS?

I guess you could. The computer would boot with missing drivers and error messages especially if the recovery CD installs motherboard chipset drivers.

Good luck on this, most of the Recovery CDs I've tried to boot in another computer stop me completely when the hardware test it runs at the beginning reveals it's NOT the right computer. I've never been able to get the Recovery CD to actually install on anything other than the correct PC/laptop.

Aww so if I'm building a PC do I have to buy an OS?

Yes if you are planning on using Windows or Mac OSX, no if you are planning on using Linux.

Ok thanks. Is there anywhere on the web I can get a cheap windows XP?

The prices are all regulated by Microsoft of course. If you buy/download a pirated copy you won't get updates at best, at worst MS will cripple your (its) OS.

Ok thanks.

Are you a student? You can get an "upgrade" version of Windows XP for $99 IF you are a student/teacher. Then all you need is an older version install disk to prove you're "upgrading":
Microsoft Windows XP Professional Upgrade with Academic Discount at JourneyEd.com (http://www.journeyed.com/itemDetail.asp?ItmNo=55481723Y199)

Hmm, it appears Windows Vista (ugh) is student priced at only $85... go figure:
Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate Upgrade with Academic Discount at JourneyEd.com (http://www.journeyed.com/itemDetail.asp?itmNo=87141473LARS&pres_view=specs)

Well I am 16 so a student. But when you say an older version what do you mean? Like window 98 or something?

Well i am 16 so a student. But when you say an older version what do you mean? Like window 98 or something?
Any old Windows OS disks, you could Win98, WinME, Win2k...

With an upgrade version, when you run the install program, it stops at the beginning and checks your computer for the OS it will be replacing. Failing to find it, it asks you to stick in the CD from the previous version to prove you had it and are eligible for the upgrade.

After it checks that CD, it will continue and you won't need the old OS CD any longer.