is there anywhere to download win 98 or win xp pro?

Ok, so I thought I knew what I was doing! After you guys helped me find some emails on a laptop hard drive ( The laptop was crushed ) using an external reader, I figured I could also pull some files from another laptop I used in the past. Well long story short ... managed to sucessfully get the files I wanted but after re-installing the drive back into the laptop it now won't boot up.

I'm able to bring up the options to boot from a CD ROM but don't have any installation disc. I have a product key for win98 taped to to bottom of the laptop that I need the install disc for. I also have a product key for win xp pro taped to the bottom of the crushed laptop. Each had a legal version of windows. So re-installing either version using these product keys would be legal. I just can't find any down load for either version. Do I really have to buy a replacement copy from Microsoft or borrow a windows cd from someone when I still have my product key(s)?

 

Unfortunately downloading any Microsoft operating system from a source other than Microsoft or an authorised redistribution agent is illegal, not to mention risky as anyone could have tampered with the code of the OS to add viruses or remote control options etc.

Your best bet is to borrow the CD from a friend if they have one.

 

So there is no Microsoft site or authorized site that provides a download for this when the user can submit a legal product key?

I'm in no way trying to do this illegally. I just think that Microsoft should supply a download link you can access with a valid key ( I'm a dreamer lol ). But seriously, discs get scratched, broken, misplaced, etc and hard drives crash. I figure thier stand on it is that if they did supply the link then anyone could access a copy with a valid key that could be passed around. Except I've read that they have a verification system that shows if the key is already registered to someone else any time you go online. So to me it's just Microsofts way of generating more revenue supplying replacement discs.

Someone please tell me my dream has come true and there is a legal site to download from ... lol

Thanks for the response collinsl

 

Correct. It would lead to rampant pirating and illegal distribution of their software. As stated above, you have few options: borrow a friend's disc(s) and use your product key(s), buy the installation disc(s), take the PC(s) to a local shop and have them install the software. Keep in mind you will have to download and install all the drivers too. While this is not difficult, it is a lot to deal with if you're not familiar with drivers and their installation..... good luck!!!

 

Good news! Just found this on line. Have a read through it and see if it helps:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/326246

 

Thanks Collinsl, If I understood all the listings correctly you can get everything but the windows installation disk from them. for that they direct you to the manufacturer the unit came from. Since this laptop is a dino ( know this because it has a 1.0 usb ) I doubt I'll get anywhere there. I'm a simple chainsaw carver this stuff is hurtin my head lol.

I have come to the conclusion that I'll have to have a relative a couple hundred kms away who I know has thier windows disk mail it to me and return it to them when I have it installed. Not up for a road trip

Thanks for the help and the extra efforts to track a link down that might of helped. I appreciate the efforts :wine

 

This sounds like a great oppurtunity to switch to Linux.