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    Can Windows XP install media be downloaded

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by RaYYaN, Jun 17, 2009.

  1. RaYYaN

    RaYYaN Back on NBR :D

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    Guys, I'm planning to re-install windows XP on my dad's old laptop, and it did not come with a disk to re-install or repair windows

    All the installation disks here where I live come with a key, or are pirated.
    The thing is I already have a key that was shipped with the laptop and only need an image that I can burn to a disk and use to install Windows XP
    Can someone tel me of a site where I can download the media, I have already checked microsoft's site

    Thanks
     
    RaYYaN, Jun 17, 2009
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  2. Shyster1

    Shyster1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    No, the image cannot legally be downloaded. Since you have an OEM key (the kind that comes with preinstalled versions of XP), you'll either have to order the recovery disks from the manufacturer, or find someone with the same computer (or, at least, the same manufacturer and more or less the same age) and borrow her or his recovery disks (if s/he has them).
     
    Shyster1, Jun 17, 2009
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  3. RaYYaN

    RaYYaN Back on NBR :D

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    I think the current key is OEM, but the one I plan to use when re-installing is on a sticker at the bottom of the laptop (the one with proof of authenticity), is this also OEM??
    Even with that key I can't find an image???

    Because there was a link for Vista installation image in on of the clean install guides, and I thought something similar might be available for XP

    Thanks for the quick reply shyster :D
     
    RaYYaN, Jun 17, 2009
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  4. MaXimus

    MaXimus Notebook Deity

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    No, the same guide which is available to download the Vista media is not available for XP unfortunately.
     
    MaXimus, Jun 17, 2009
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  5. RaYYaN

    RaYYaN Back on NBR :D

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    Ahh well
    Thought someone might know of a similar link where an image is available for XP
     
    RaYYaN, Jun 17, 2009
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  6. Shyster1

    Shyster1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    The key on the bottom of your computer should be the OEM royalty key that is associated with the OEM version of XP that was preinstalled on your computer, so that key should validate a new install (although, if the computer's been out long enough, that key might have been invalidated for automated product validation, which would mean that you might have to call Microsoft up to get the installation properly validated).

    I just looked at your original post - putting aside the pirated copies (forum rules, and ethical rules), what other sorts of installation disks do you have? Do you have any other Windows XP installation disks that came along with a preinstalled version of XP on some other computer(s)?
     
    Shyster1, Jun 17, 2009
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