Managing Windows Installs

Factual Questions
1

I have multiple desktops and laptops with a mix of Windows XP, Vista, and 7. I am gradually upgrading all of them to Windows 7. In order to upgrade, you have to have a previous version of Windows installed.

The laptops came with manufacturer recovery disks. I lost my Windows XP install disk (I’m hoping I can still find it). Everything I have is legal (no pirated copies).

What I’d like to ask is what would be the best method of planning for a re-install? Should I buy one full copy of Windows 7 and keep that around? Should I pick up a copy of XP/Vista and keep that? Is there another alternative I haven’t thought of?

2

You can use any XP install disc of the correct version, just so long as you have the correct product key for the individual PC. That is, if the key on printed on the COA sticker is for, say, Windows XP Professional OEM, then you can use any XP pro OEM disc to install.