os won't boot up

I bought a IBM M51 that had been sanitized for resale. I needed to replace my Aptiva. I tried to load the OS for my Aptiva, it shows up in DOS but will not boot up. What am I missing? Thanks for any help. PK

 

Sanitized for resale? Meaning the OS was removed?
Aptiva wouldn't work probably because of being a different system and configuration. Cannot just plug in and go.
Will probably need to get a disk and install on the IBM.

 

Yes, no os. So I need to get a os just for the M51 or a whole os disk that will work on any computer and start from scratch? PK

 

Afraid you need to purchase a new disk for the IBM. OEM version is usually less expensive.

 

I found a XP Pro oem Dell sealed package on ebay. It's said to be leagle and would work on my IBM. It's a full version and will verify with Microsoft. Any opininions? PK

 

If new and unused, should be OK. I have XP Pro (OEM )on one of my machines and satisfied with it.

 

Thank you very much for the help. PK