Can anyone please tell me the difference between XP PRO restore discs and master discs. I have been told they are exactly the same except the restore discs stop other people using the software. I do not believe this explanation... Whatever stops XP being used on more that one pc could be included in a master copy - no need to call it a restore disc unless it has other differences.

There is a difference. The restore disk is issued by the OEM and is usually tied the computer it is issued with. Master disk are, by necesity, designed to be installed on any computer. Stuart

This sounds like 'Brand-name' Computer eg HP\Compaq or Dell etc Would you say which please and someone with the same may be able to help you Lesley

The company is Evesham.

Evesham is a UK outfit, who make (assemble) some well regarded kit. Recovery CD's ("obligatory" - after pressure - by M$ on those who sell/clear large volumes - 5000 + ?) will usually work only with the PC they were shipped with. Recovery CD's restore the drive to time of delivery status; and some appear to offer a couple of options as regards the level of reset/recovery. For some folks (usually those with not much experience) they do appear to be a godsend, as they allow a relatively painless way to rebuild their system. But they do appear to have their drawbacks in that they 'may' totally undo 'all' changes one may have made to the OS in terms of additional apps/utils etc. Smaller outfits 'may' still provide OEM or similar CD's which 'may' be OK for use on other systems - i.e. other than the one it/they came with. From earlier inquiries it seems they have relationship with the bios on the unit they were shipped with - and possibly some other i/d too. (Dell appear to have at least a bios reference/link incorporated into the recovery CD.) There have been the occasional hacks offered, but few if any seem to work OK. I guess Evesham has given in to M$ pressure...; or they are now moving a large enough number of units to be obliged to give in to M$ pressure?