Windows XP Pro Lost CD

[TerryWood]

Hi

I lost my XP Pro CD but still have the product key stuck on the PC.

Question? Can I use any Win XP Pro CD (Borrowed?) to install back onto the same PC for which the product key is valid, and then use the valid Key to validate it?

Thanks

Terry

[andyman35]

Provided it's the same version (OEM or retail) as the key is licenced for then yes.

[3GUSER]

-{ Quote: "Provided it's the same version (OEM or retail) as the key is licenced for then yes." }-

but don't tell Microsoft ;)

[Peter2150]

-{ Quote: "but don't tell Microsoft ;)" }-

Actually a better approach assuming it's legal version is contact Microsoft. You might get a new CD.

Pete

[Kees1958]

-{ Quote: "Actually a better approach assuming it's legal version is contact Microsoft. You might get a new CD.

Pete" }-

Not for OEM's in most countries, often only for directly bough retail versions.

[3GUSER]

-{ Quote: "Not for OEM's in most countries, often only for directly bough retail versions." }-

Yes , and it won't be for free . I have asked them :)

Years ago I accidentically broke my XP CD and I called them . At the end , I just "borrowed" one from those at work.:)

[Sully]

If you have a legit key, what should the media matter? I have never understood the stance they take sometimes, so uptight about it all. They can't stop piracy, so why not make it easy on the paying customers, as they are the only ones who have to endure the illogical decisions of the borg, not the pirates.

Sul.

[crofttk]

-{ Quote: "Provided it's the same version (OEM or retail) as the key is licenced for then yes." }-
Agreed and done among my own machines at home interchangeably although they are all from the same vendor and for a repair install, on the rare occasion that I resort to it, I make sure to use one based on the same slipstreamed service pack. They all have different keys and I give the one on the sticker on the machine on the rare occasion that I am prompted for it.

[wearetheborg]

Arent there legal downloads for XP like in Win 7?

~Snipped~

[wearetheborg]

-{ Quote: " as they are the only ones who have to endure the illogical decisions of the borg,
Sul." }-

EXCUSE ME, we never make illogical decisions :dry: ;D

[TerryWood]

Hi

I would be very interested in knowing the whereabouts of links to download Win XP Pro LEGALLY as suggested by wearetheborg.

Thanks

Terry

[Cudni]

-{ Quote: "Hi

I would be very interested in knowing the whereabouts of links to download Win XP Pro LEGALLY as suggested by wearetheborg.

Thanks

Terry" }-

There are none that are legal

[wearetheborg]

-{ Quote: "Arent there legal downloads for XP like in Win 7?

~Snipped~" }-

So er, why was my link removed? AFAIK, its 100% legal? As mentioned in the link, digitalrivercontent is a microsoft partner.

Here, I am posting a similar thread from microsoft technet with the links; hope it will appease Cudni :P
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7itproinstall/thread/91cacc80-77ca-4770-802c-1cb965830f88