Need cheap Win XP for "free" formatted laptop

I’ve just been made redundant and work have let me keep my laptop but have advised They will be formatting it before letting me take it off the premesis on my last day
The spec is old but will do what I need- so I just need to get it back up and running
IBM T43 – bit like the link below
https://www.morgancomputers.co.uk/shop/detail.asp?ProductID=6527&CategoryID=404&SubCategoryID=512
Any suggestions for the cheapest ( reliable) route to get a copy of windows XP

( I was thinking xp and open office will let me do CV’s & job apps and maybe some contracting at a push )
Thanks in anticipation
Peter
PS –I’m non techie so please be gentle with me

 

Because Windows XP isn't sold at retail anymore, the only way to get a legitimate copy of XP is to find someone on Ebay who is selling theirs. Big caution here. Be sure you know what you are getting, as there are plenty of people out there selling pirated copies of XP.

 

Hi,

I hope someone else can give you the information about finding a suitable copy of XP for the laptop.

I'll just suggest you might be surprised what Linux will offer you as a free alternative. If you are really just looking for Open Office capabilities and basic functions from that laptop and don't need to install specific Windows based programs.

Take a look at Linux Mint interface. Very user friendly for Windows users as it is designed much like the Windows desktop with a Start button bringing up most choices.

You can try it before installing by burning the installation disc to CD/DVD and running the OS directly off the CD. [Download the ISO file and "Write it as an Image file" to CD/DVD using imgburn or similar burning software. Then boot from the CD to test it out. You do not need to Install to run the program.] If you decide it is a viable option the installation is simple and pretty much automated.

You might give it a try to see if it would be serviceable for your needs before investing in XP.

 

One other thought is that I have read threads from others who have been given laptops from their employers but they can not access the BIOS to change the Boot Order to enable booting from CD/DVD for Operating System installation.

I don't know what options you have but if you can talk to the person formatting the laptop you might ask for the BIOS password if one is set or that it be removed. Explain that you will need to boot from CD to install an OS. There should be a way for them to assist you since they are giving you the machine. Better to find out now rather than later.

 

Thanks for the quick reponses guys - realy appreciate it
Any more responses very welcome

Regards
Peter

 

Free Linux or Unix based Operating systems would be good bu they might give him a headache about installing the drivers, so i think the best option is checking ebay for a second hand licensed XP.

 

I'm not invested in the idea of using Linux but I have to say that I've never had a problem with Linux automatically installing drivers. I only wish Windows was as thorough at completing that task automatically.

 

One thing I can think of: Does the laptop still have the windows key sticker on it? I know this is a debated topic but who owns they key? The person in possestion of it or who payed for it (the company.) Legal or not if I had the key I would 'find' a install cd. Actually what I would do if it was mine would be puppy linux.

 

The Key belongs to the machine especially so if it is OEM, if it was retail then it would only be allowed to stay on that machine if it wasn't transfered to another. So there should be no issue of just acquiring an instal disc of the same OS and using the key on the machine.

iain.t :major

 

I Have a Windows XP Professional
Product Key sticker on the bottom of the machine - does that help?
Maybe I shoudl make a note of that before i give the laptop back for decommisioning in case they remove the sticker?
Thx
Peter

 

I don't think that it would harm to ask the persons in your IT department to do you a fresh install of the OS after they have wiped all the companies data off the HDD. I also don't think that they would remove the COA sticker off the bottom of your machine either so, if they say no to a fresh install for you, try and find a copy of XP pro and validate it with that key.

iain.t :major