Lost WinXP Pro Retail CD

[MrColin]

My last evil roommate stole my winXP install CD but not the activation key (long story). Is there a legal free replacement I can download. I've found lots of pirated/cracked torrents but that's not what I want. I want a legal download from a reputable source, preferably Microsoft. I hate to have to buy a new one and I would have to go to my ex-roommate's new place and hold him at gunpoint to get my old one back (also illegal). (I snitched on him for 4 unrelated felonies, resulting in the execution of a search warrant 1-2 days before he moved out. The cops told him I snitched.)

 

[themisfit610]

IMHO, there's nothing really morally questionable with simply downloading an XP ISO, as long as it doesn't include a CD-Key or activation crack.

If you think about it, downloading a recent image isn't any different than making an image yourself, and updating it with the recent critical updates etc with RyanVM.

If you've got a legit CD-Key, and it activates, nobody will ever know.

-MiSfit

 

[RebateMonger]

Have you tried calling Microsoft yet? You did say "Retail", right?

Microsoft MVP: How Do I Replace a Lost, Broken, or Damaged Windows XP CD

It likely won't be free, and it won't be a download. But, in the grand scheme of things, it's cheaper than buying a whole new product, and you don't have to worry about where the code is coming from.

 

[KAMAZON]

DISCLAIMER

I am NOT a lawyer and this post does not come with any guarantees however my opinion on this topic seems to be pretty valid:

There is nothing illegal about downloading a windows CD, it is the lisense that is the important thing to have. However, where will you find such a CD? Will it be from a P2P program like Bit Torrent or Kazaa? If so, then you'd better make sure that you are NOT uploading the CD to other users, because that IS illegal if it has a crack or cd key or anything like that. Hell it could be illegal if you DON'T have a cd key or crack with the distribution you are downloading. My suggestion would be to burn a copy from someone you know (make sure it's the same version, there are a few) or download one but make sure you turn OFF uploading. GL.


DISCLAIMER DISCLAIMER:
Have a good day.

 

[themisfit610]

If you can find a torrent that includes a cd key / wga hack as separate files, and specify to NOT download those files (get just the ISO), then I think you might be ok. Still sketchy no matter how you look at it.

~MiSfit

 

[Overgloc]

That's why i have atleast 2 copy of XP just incase of Scratch or Crack CD!! And one Slipstream CD up to date. You should be Okay if you download the ISO only and not CD KEY AND CRACK!

 

[MrColin]

Thanks for the tips everyone. Actually, I think I may have found a legal way to go to my ex-roomate's house and hold him at gunpoint while I look for the CD. It involves a magistrate, wish me luck.

I don't trust any warez communities, especially for an OS.

 

[corkyg]

Lesson learned: - always make a backup CD or DVD.