So I lost my Windows XP Pro disk, but have my CD Key...

[Mik3y]

So I lost my Windows XP Pro disk, but have my CD Key. Is there anyway I can can get a copy w/o having to pay for a new CD key?

 

[Hacp]

I think plenty of people have dell OEM cds that will work with your cd key.

 

[Fingolfin269]

Borrow a friend's cd?

 

[n0cmonkey]

Get one from Microsoft. I think all you have to pay is shipping.

 

[Mik3y]

Originally posted by: Fingolfin269
Borrow a friend's cd?

none of my friends have xp pro. does it matter if i use the dell oem cd they have?

 

[Mik3y]

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
Get one from Microsoft. I think all you have to pay is shipping.

ok, awesome. how would i got about doing that then? website? calling them?

 

[Hacp]

Originally posted by: Mik3y

Originally posted by: Fingolfin269
Borrow a friend's cd?

none of my friends have xp pro. does it matter if i use the dell oem cd they have?

It won't matter if you use a dell oem cd. Also, i'm pretty sure that someone could make an iso of their cd and send it to you via yousendit.

 

[mechBgon]

If it was a retail WinXP Pro CD, then call Microsoft. They may want the Part No. off the Product Key sticker, the CD sleeve, or the box itself, which would be like X01-23456 or something.

 

[Mik3y]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
If it was a retail WinXP Pro CD, then call Microsoft. They may want the Part No. off the Product Key sticker, the CD sleeve, or the box itself, which would be like X01-23456 or something.

Aw, I dont have any of that. I just have the CD key memorized from so many years of use. I've been using this disk and cd key since 2001 or so.

 

[mechBgon]

Darn. Well, like I always say, at least it's nothing money can't fix

 

[Mik3y]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
Darn. Well, like I always say, at least it's nothing money can't fix

Darn. Well, since I'm a poor and starving college student trying to get his way through life, I guess I'm just going to have torrent the file. It's not considered bootlegging unless I really steal the software, right? I'm going to be using my CD key still. I find it a waste of money to buy another WinXP disk when Vista's right around the corner anyways.

 

[mechBgon]

Here are some ideas:

(1) If you're at college, see if they've got a near-giveaway deal on WinXP Pro for students. I hear that's often the case, ask the college bookstore and/or IT people. Ask about MS Office while you're at it

(2) If you happen to have a 64-bit-capable rig, download a free 180-day trial version of WinXP Pro x64 Edition. You can get free Avast antivirus that's compatible with x64 Edition, too


Back when I was in college, I had no computer and my roommate had a 25MHz 386 :Q ~ dude, OMG it has Tetris!!!

 

[Mik3y]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
Here are some ideas:

(1) If you're at college, see if they've got a near-giveaway deal on WinXP Pro for students. I hear that's often the case, ask the college bookstore and/or IT people. Ask about MS Office while you're at it

(2) If you happen to have a 64-bit-capable rig, download a free 180-day trial version of WinXP Pro x64 Edition. You can get free Avast antivirus that's compatible with x64 Edition, too


Back when I was in college, I had no computer and my roommate had a 25MHz 386 :Q ~ dude, OMG it has Tetris!!!

Oooh ok. awesome. I have an A64. Will I be able to possibly use my existing cd key on it? If not, I just hope it lasts me long enough so that I can switch to Vista when it comes out.

 

[Metron]

Windows XP Pro x64 requires a different key...

You'll have to buy the OEM version at the end of the trial. Microsoft had a special upgrade price for 32-bit users of Windows XP, but that but that expired in July of last year..

Also, there are 3 (maybe 4) different classes of disks and keys which are not interchangeable:

Full
Upgrade
OEM
Volume License

I'm currently waiting for delivery of a Restore / OEM XP Home CD from HP to reload a laptop that has an XP Home license. The hard drive had failed in the laptop which is out of warranty and I replaced the drive, but I have no media with which to reload.

 

[Gooberlx2]

If you remember your CD key then certainly you can just grab the correct iso from some newsgroups and burn that. Do you remember if it was full retail, OEM or upgrade retail or what?

 

[Drakkon]

wow...the only CD key i remeber for windows was FCKGW...

 

[Mik3y]

Originally posted by: Gooberlx2
If you remember your CD key then certainly you can just grab the correct iso from some newsgroups and burn that. Do you remember if it was full retail, OEM or upgrade retail or what?

mine is full retail of xp pro.