Where can I find a Windows XP install/boot cd?

I need to reformat a computer but I just cant find the cd. I still have the product key that came with it, just need the clean cd.

It's a Windows XP Home Edition OEM Software.

 

FYI, Talking about pirating software and Downloading illegal torrents is not allowed on NBR. Normally I would just close the thread right now, but I will leave it open in case someone has a LEGAL answer for your. The First suggestion of something illegal however, and this thread goes bye-bye.

I also Edited your post to remove the pirated mention.

 

Borrowing a friend's cd is not illegal if you have a legit license.

A cd is just media used to transport the software--Microsoft does not even copy protect it.

The real problem is getting a friend's cd to accept your license.

A standard OEM cd will not always work for certain OEM licenses because Dell, HP, emachine, toshiba, etc have all come up with different ways to make your life miserabl....er, to stop pirating.

Sometimes, your pc maker even includes a utility to make a reinstallation copy.

You can sometimes modify an oem cd, or even create one from you i386 directory if your pc maker created one so that it will work with your pc.

The easiest way, though, is to simply contact your pc maker and ask them to send you one for a modest charge

 

Newegg still sells WinXP

But seriously, would it be possible to get a .iso from Microsoft? I think its the key you pay for not the cd.

 

It's a custom built PC, and I bought Windows apart from it, like this one
http://www.discount-software.ws/discount-software-images/xp-home-oem-fr.jpg

Buying a new copy is not an option >_>
I need to find the iso somewhere...

 

downloading an iso is often a dangerous venture--many are loaded with illegitimate software/malware, etc.

Find a friend or a since it is an generic OEM cd...look in the paper for a local computer club where other self builders are likely to congregate.

If you have a legitimate license--it doesn't matter what media you use. I'd say contact microsoft, who will send you an upgrade or retail disk for postage, but they will not help with OEM disks.

 

I don't know, but if you lost your OEM Windows disc, maybe the OEM can send you a replacement.

 

Don't mean to hijack your thread but I have this same exact problem right now. I am trying to upgrade the hard drive in my dad's Toshiba laptop but just realized I don't have the Windows XP Media Center 2005 edition disc.

Just curious, I have a HP Pavillion OEM Windows XP disc. Can I use this on my dad's Toshiba laptop but use the Windows XP key on the sticker that's on the laptop?

 

using another installation disk to install, and use own licence key for activation is possible as long as the OS is the same on both (CD and key). I doubt that you can activate using your dad's key afterward, since it is not meant for XP, but Media Center

@OP: borrowing a friend's disk is your best no-cost bet. And contraire to what i read and hear, i use other OEM installation disks on different systems many times with no issue, as long as it says "OS installation disk"

cheers ...