in relation to my topic about windows failure to boot, I have been talking to the hp tech support, and it seems that the only way to fix my problem is to reinstall windows. Of course my computer never came with a windows cd, and I refuse to purchase it , because it seems to me I already own it since i have a computer with it installed. Does anyone know if microsoft will send you a copy. a friend told me they might. I checked with best buy, and for the cost of a windows xp cd . I can get a new computer on e-bay, can I use a friends copy, otherwise I guess it,s new computer time. Thanks for your help.
How-To Geek Forums » Windows XP
Where can I get a windows cd
(9 posts)
ydoctor,
You may contact MS as Scott suggested however I doubt you will get past the first automated phone menu since most support for Windows XP was officially terminated by MS on June 30, 2008. If you do get to speak with a live person, you will be instructed to contact the OEM manufacturer of your computer. The manufacturer of your computer will most probably tell you they do not support XP systems which are out of warranty so if you have an older computer, good luck.
If you like and want to continue using XP, my best recommendation is to "bite the bullet" and purchase a Full Legitimate XP Pro Copy of the O/S from Best Buy, http://newegg.com or other reputable retailer.
I strongly suggest you (NOT) purchase XP from off of E-Bay or any other "dicey" source such as a friend because MS has a surprise coming within a week or so for those who are using "doubtful copies" of XP Pro.
Unfortunately, XP is not going to get any less expensive due to existing demand so your alternatives are limited.
Kindest Regards,
Rick P. ♣
(MS Partner)
If you have your Windows XP product key you should be able to use a friends cd. Just enter that key in setup.
Normally the product key is on a sticker stuck to the side of the PC.
Note: The CD would have to be a normal disc not a recovery disc, match the editon home/pro and the service pack level SP1/SP2/SP3.
Edit: Also may need to match OEM/Retail/Volume type disc.
ydoctor,
Although it may? be possible to use "a friend's copy of XP", I would strongly advise both you and your friend review the New MS XP Eula in it's entirety before proceeding as both you and your "helpful" friend could end up with a legitimate product key that could never be activated again even manually over the phone.
The transition to the Vista O/S has not gone as smoothly as MS anticipated so they are and will begin to exert tremendous pressure in the last half of the year to "rid the field" so to speak of XP users. This can readily be seen in the OEM manufacturer hardware XP driver availability issue, which until a month ago, was not a problem at all.
Again, my best advice to you is that if you like and want to continue using XP, procure a new legitimate copy of the O/S so all is on the "up and up" and in your favor.
I might add that (Registering) their copies of XP with MS would certainly be most advisable for all users at this time.
Kindest Regards,
Rick P. ♣
(MS Partner)
@Budohorseman,
I appreciate your thoughtful feed back.
As a MS Partner of many years, rest assured that I am thoroughly familiar with MS, Their Product Sku's, Their Eula's, Their Business Practices World Wide, etc., etc.
Without further belaboring the point, my best advice still stands for "any" XP user.
If one likes and wants to continue using XP, then procure a full legitimate copy of XP from a reputable retailer, use it according to the Eula restrictions and register the product.
Tricks, hacks and arguments over the meanings of words will not "cut it" with MS in the coming months as it fights for survival and market share.
At the moment, there are at least (7) client O/Ses which are ready to topple the MS giant so be very careful in your advice to the less informed.
Kindest Regards,
Rick P. ♣
(MS Partner)
Once again, thanks everyone for your helpful suggestions, It is not so much that i like xp, I use vista also on my laptop. it is kind of a principal really, I don't feel like I should have to buy something that I feel like I already own. But With all the problems I have been able to find a refurbished computer with a new copy of windows installed. It is actually cheaper than a copy of windows was. So I am going with that. But thanks anyway, when I have more problems, which I know I will, I know where to come.
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