Windows XP Pro Lost CD

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

 

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

 

but don't tell Microsoft

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Arent there legal downloads for XP like in Win 7?

~Snipped~

 

EXCUSE ME, we never make illogical decisions

 

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

 

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
http://social.technet.microsoft.com...l/thread/91cacc80-77ca-4770-802c-1cb965830f88