lost my windows xp disc - can i get a replacment

[devilhunter]

I have lost my Windows XP disc.I have the security sticker on my pc with the product key etc but where / how can I get a replacment - please dont say use a pirate copy.

[tomd]

If you used a copied Windows disk with a genuine key, it would be a licensed copy of Windows.

[vehelpfulguy]

As tomd says, it is the product key you type in that makes it legal or illegal, not the actual CD.

The letters and numbers on the sticker on your PC can be used to install the software.

Note that there are different versions of XP (Home and Professional) and also enterprise versions and developer versions, so not all copies of XP will accept your code.

But if you have a friend with a copy of XP the same as yours the product key on your PC should work.

Of course it could be the person who has the copy of YOUR XP disk has also used the code, in which case you may have a problem.

Note, you can order a demo copy of XP from the Microsoft web site. This will be like a 30 day or 60 day version, but if you put your product key in it should work.

[devilhunter]

this was a genuine windows xp disc not a copy.

[vehelpfulguy]

Nobody is saying you have used a copy.

What tomd is saying is that because you HAVE a genuine product key, even if you DID use a copy of the Windows XP CD, by entering your product key you make it legal.

As I said, it is the product key that shows it is a legal copy of Windows XP, not the actual CD you install it from.

[devilhunter]

I see now.Where can I get a new disc as I dont know anyone who has one and want to upgrade my hard drive

[devilhunter]

I cant find the xp demo anywhere on the microsoft site - help !!!

[vehelpfulguy]

There are various places on the Microsoft site to get trial software, here is an example

http://www.microsoft.com/uk/office/trial/default.mspx

I think now that Windows Vista is coming out they have removed the demo version of Windows XP.

You could try ringing Microsoft and explain your problem and see if they will send you a replacement CD.

As a matter of interest, how did you lose your XP CD ?

[devilhunter]

I lost the disc when I gave my pc to a small company to upgrade the motherboard and processor and add a 2nd hard drive.I gave them my xp disc so they could reinstall xp on my new hd.Alas when i got the pc back the disc was missing and I had forgotten about it until a month later but by that time the company had folded !!!