i'm SOS right?

[slightlyhuman]

Going to reinstall xp home on my backup rig due to upgrading the hardware in it. I can't for the life of me find my xp home cd. There's no way I can get just the .iso or files for xp home from an official place such as microsoft or anything, right? i have my COA right here next to me, just no Cd:thumbsdown:

Not really into torrents so was just curious if I was fucked.

 

[CurseTheSky]

I've run into this problem several times and I'm curious as well. I absolutely refuse to download from anywhere that could be considered shady.

Hopefully someone has an answer.

 

[lxskllr]

First off, the term's SOL ;^)

There isn't a legitimate way of downloading the disc you need.

 

[JackMDS]

If this is an OEM that came with a Brand name computer they might be able to help.

Otherwise, it like any thing else that you lose. Either you have it insure, or you take the lose.

 

[kranky]

My understanding is that the COA and license key give you the right to install and use the software. You can get the media from anywhere and still be legal. Borrow a friend's.

 

[ViRGE]

My understanding is that the COA and license key give you the right to install and use the software. You can get the media from anywhere and still be legal. Borrow a friend's.

Correct. The hard part is finding the right CD; unlike Win7 and Vista, XP keys are closely tied to the CD. OEM keys don't work on retail CDs, etc.

 

[kranky]

Microsoft might be able to fix you up if you used the retail version of XP. They sell replacement media but I don't know if they still do it for XP.

If you are calling from the United States, contact the Microsoft Order Desk at the following phone number: (800) 360-7561, Monday through Friday, 5:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Pacific time.

If you are calling from Canada, contact the Canadian Order Desk at the following number: (800) 933-4750, Monday through Friday, 5:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Pacific time.

 

[Gamingphreek]

Why not torrent that data?

If you have a COA and you use your own personal CD-Key it is perfectly legal for you to obtain the files via torrent. If you are worried about viruses and what not:

A. Download from a torrent with multiple hits
B. Check the hash of the file against the provided MD5

Outside of that, borrowing a friends is your only option.

-Kevin

 

[gaidensensei]

Read the comments on where you download the torrent (from a distinguished site). If it's been around for awhile, high chance are there are comments from others posting trojan/keylogger/hidden software/etc.

Otherwise.. could try ebay or something.

 

[notposting]

I got a replacement CD from MS in the same situation, it was an OEM license, had to fill out the product ID I think etc. Forgot how much it was but not bad. Poke around on MS site and you should find it.