Windows XP Pro Instalation Disk

typk

typk

typk

Associate
Joined
4 Feb 2007
Posts
606
Right, I have decided I need to do a fresh install of windows xp pro, as over 3 years of using it has slowed down. One problem, I have lost the disk. I still have the key on the side of my computer but I cant find the disk to reinstall it from.
I have been looking on the internet to see if I could find the disk on its own but Im not to sure what to type in and haven't had any successfully results.
Any suggestions guys?
 
I built it.
Why does that make a difference?
I was wondering would Microsoft send me one if I told them the key?
 
Can you remember what disk you had? IE was it retail, OEM, SP2 rolled in etc... There are many places on the net where you can dowenload the disk, it'll work so long as you get the right type. I recently had to do this for a mate who got a laptop off ebay with a cd key sticker on it, but not supplied with a disc.
 
I'm really not sure but does it matter?
because retail you can use all you want.
OEM is for one motherboard.
service pack 2 (can you just download that after installing if its not included on the cd?)

It might be the Service pack 2 one. I cant remember.
 
If you have any version of the XP (as long as it matches the type of key you have, Home, Pro, MCE etc.) disc then you can slipstream Service Pack 2 into a disk image. I only have the original XP Pro CD but using that to do any kind of reinstall would be a nightmare these days so (it's bad enough with SP2 alone) I used it to create a SP2 ISO which I burnt to disc and use as my main install CD now. You are still left to install about 90 updates from windows update but SP3 sould resolve that whever it comes out.

^ I'd borrow it off a friend if you can, that seems a little steep for a replacement disc.
 
Last edited:
so your allowed to borrow it right? I will anyway...
That's what I was thinking its a little much just for that.

Well thanks for your help guys :)
 
Well you could just download an iso and slipstream what you need onto it using Nlite, add your legal key and burn to disc. Why should MS be paid twice when the serial is what matters? Its not like you'll be able to use an OEM key on two machines at once or something...
 
Well I don't know what the exact rules are on borrowing the disc but if you have a valid licence for it I can't see what's wrong with that.
 
sr4470 said:
Why should MS be paid twice when the serial is what matters?
Click to expand...

The vast majority of the expense is handling and shipping, the media itself is only being charged at €1-€2.

RobH said:
Well I don't know what the exact rules are on borrowing the disc but if you have a valid licence for it I can't see what's wrong with that.
Click to expand...

Strictly speaking, the person lending you the media is violating their licence agreement, but most people wouldn't care less about that.

Burnsy
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom