Lost CD "Office XP Standard Edition" - help?

I've recently replaced an old HDD in a laptop for a family member. The old HDD was working but just slow and small. I had Office XP Standard installed on this HDD. Unfortunately I cannot find the original installation CD though. I was able to recover my Office XP product ID and CD Key using the "magic jelly bean" tool. However, I need a copy of the installation media to reinstall office on the new HDD.

I phoned Microsoft support to order a new CD but they said that they can no longer supply replacement media for Office XP because it is too old. The rep did say it was fine for me to use someone else's installation CD along with my valid CD key.

Can anyone recommend a source for a copy of Office XP standard edition? I searched and there are lots of downloadable sources for Office XP Pro (not standard). I did find one download source for the standard edition, but it turned out to be for "standard edition - students and teachers". This won't accept my valid CD key.

Thanks for reading

 

I doubt you are going to find a legal download for this software, I find it hard to believe you found legal downloads of other versions, appears you got lucky. Your choices are to either find a friend is who also a user and borrow a copy (which I am sure you would have done by now) or purchase a new program on a site such as PriceGraber, Ebay, or Amazon. I looked and the price for this 10 year old program seems to be quite high. For example: Amazon.com: Microsoft Office XP Standard [OLD VERSION]: Software. You could upgrade to the latest Microsoft Office version for near the same price. You only need the Student and Teacher edition (which would be the cheapest) if you just had the standard XP edition before.

 

Thanks for your reply.

The downloads I found were torrents of "untouched" (i.e., non-cracked) ISOs of the original installation disc. I'm actually not sure of the technical legality of such downloads since they require a valid key to work.

I don't have any tech friends so the likelihood of me finding someone in person with a copy of 10-year-old software isn't very good

Note that my CD key (standard edition) does not work with "standard edition - student and teacher".

 

Do you use the "extra" programs such as Publisher and Outlook? If not, download OpenOffice - it's completely free and legal. I run it on all of my PCs, and it got me all the way through college with no issues.

 

Unless you need to import an 'open office' document into another word processor. Despite the big talk of compatibility, back and forth to M$oft word just is not pretty. Open Office is fine if you want to use your computer as a typewriter but you're better off with some form of Word if you have to interact with others.

 

Do you know any 'TechNet' subscribers? They can still get the Office XP Professional ISO for you.

 

Thanks for all the replies

Unfortunately Open Office isn't an option since this isn't my computer. The user needs the simplicity of using only one office suite. In my experience Open Office is a reasonable option for the technically inclined but not at all for someone that is a luddite.

I wonder if I should try posting a REQ on usenet? Can anybody suggest which group such a request would best be posted to?

 

and it's probably time to close out this thread........

 

Yes, I agree.

One comment though, if change is not an option and having Office XP is that important just buy a new copy (includes a new key also). PriceGraber has the "teachers and students" version for $64. I think it has the same programs in it as the "Standard" edition but academically priced. You may also find lower prices if you searched ebay, etc.