I need a copy of Windows XP Professional to reinstall on my computer

My daughter's computer got a devastating virus. It has eaten up every .dll file. I need to reinstall the OS but the rocket scientists at MS decided that a "Recovery Console" would be far superior to having a set of disks to do this. So the console is also shot, I can't access it, and there are no recovery disks (Oh for the old days).

The OS that was mounted on the unit was a legal copy so can I access a download from MS and mount that download using the key code that is on the unit? Where is the download that I need to do this? I can find info at MS but only for downloading a file to create floppy disks.

Thanks,

j

 

No you can't download an XP disk. You'll have to go back to the manufacture and get (most likley buy) restore disks.
Most of the time it is the OEM that has a recovery system, either disks with the system or a program you should run and it creates the disks you'll need if ever the system fails.

 

I don't think Microsoft provides (or has ever provided, if I am correct) XP ISOs for download.

You pretty much have three options:
-buy recovery disks from your pc manufacturer
-borrow an XP CD from someone
-buy a legit one from Ebay or download it from torrent sites

 

Amazon still sells XP as well. You can get it for a little under $100.

 

I did find one on Bittorrent but it claims to not need a key. That tells me it is not a legal copy because if it doesn't provide for a key then the copy can never be legal.

I want legal. I will investigate what my options are at Lenovo.

Thanks.

 

It is actually the manufacturer of your computer that has forgotten to give you a Windows recovery (install) disk.

But, depending on your computer brand and model, you may have a recovery partition. Check the manual that came with the computer to find how to perform an emergency recovery (or restore to factory settings).

 

Found 1 on eBay for $50.00 and free shipping.

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Full-instal...645?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a0b5007a5


Good for almost 7 more days.$50.00 is the "Buy it now" price. No need to keep bidding.

 

Seems like Halo had a post not too long ago in which he mentioned the ability to download a Windows version through MSDN or TechNet, something like that. I'm sure it entails license authentication.

Have you considered contacting Microsoft? Despite their reputation, in the instances in the past when I've had to directly contact them about licensing the support has been very helpful and understanding. Since you are not trying to pirate a copy of XP, Microsoft might very well work with you.

 

Found it:

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=222070 - the thread was about an unreadable Windows CD.

 

MS seems to be doing their darndest to get people to upgrade to Win-7.
For instance all the MS updates that have messed up peoples PC's.

If I needed a "Legal" copy of XP-Pro, I'd make the rounds of the local computer shops and see if I could borrow one someplace. As long as you have the Legal Key that came with your PC, you should be good to go.

If you succeed in getting that little PC back up and running, back it up to DVD's or to an External HD. There are many 'legal' backup programs that can easily do the job. Then protect your PC with a good AV program so it doesn't get eaten up again.

The hardest part of reinstalling the OS on a laptop, is getting all the drivers for it again.

Good luck with that.

Shadow :cool

 

I found one that requires the key so I will use that one. As I recall, Windows Genuine Advantage will allow the input of the legal key if the software fails.

T he person who posted the software also posted K-Lite Codec Pack with it.

Thanks to all.

j

 

WGA doesn't get involved with Windows until it's been downloaded from MS along with the Updates. So many XP updates today are rendering XP inoperable, that I've turned off Auto updates on my own PC's and I'm suggesting that most of my friends and customers do the same.
Why would MS want to update XP, an OS that they are trying to get rid of?:major

WGA can be and quite often is, a real PITA. It will tell people that they have a bogus version of XP, even when they don't. I found the best solution to that was to delete WGA, turn off auto updates and get on with life.

When WGA first reared it's ugly little head a few years ago, I was getting a call a day from customers complaining about it. One of my most valuable tools (programs) then was the "WGA Killer".

Much to-do over nothing...................

:cool

 

I usually turn off Auto Updates about 10 secs after I install XP.

Good Luck

 

Great minds, like soup,,,,Run Together! :-D:-D:-D

Ten seconds? What takes you so long? Taking a beer break?:-D:-D

:cool

 

?????
windows xp pro leagal copy
auto updated allways.
never had a single problem.
I dont however try and run software made for vista or win 7.
:confused

 

I've never had a problem with any XP update and my computer uses XP Home sp3. The only reason I am hot to trot to get a copy of XP Professional is because that is what was mounted on my daughter's computer before it got terminally ill with the ramnit virus.

 

The link I posted (post #8) is still good and you would have it if needed again in the future.

 

Thanks.

j

 

Just checked again.
Somebody has already got it.

 

There's another one just like it waiting right outside the door.

 

Well I kinda do it in order in the System Properties box. I start with disabling System Waste of Time, I mean Restore and work my way around all the tabs so 10 secs seems quite quick to me.