Question about XP!

Okay! I got a brand new PC (custom built), and instead of forking over $200 to buy XP again I used the backup disk that came with my laptop. Is using that essentially the same as getting a new one? I've heard otherwise, and also that you can't use a windows disk that came with a laptop for a PC, but I think the person who told me that is full of shit. It's all loaded up and it seems to work, it's just completely bare except for Minesweeper and other startup shit.

Anyway, there's no icons in the bottom right corner, not even a volume one. Also, my internet doesn't seem to be working on it. Do I need to just buy XP again or is there a way to fix this?

How ya doing, buddy?