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Is it possible to get a replacement Windows XP installation disk?

I brought a Dell laptop two years ago and now want to carry out a complete system clear. To do this I need the XP installation disk but I can't find it anywhere. Is it possible to get a free replacement. My dad also has a Dell PC which has Windows XP. He still has his installation disk so I'm also wondering if it's possible to use his disk on my laptop. It is there any reason why I can't do this. For instance will my PC detect it's not my disk or if I use the disk on my computer will that prevent my dad using the disk in the future on his computer?

Public Comments

1. Yes you can use his disk. It will work fine


2. Knowledge Base (KB) article, http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/326246, “How to replace Microsoft software or hardware, order service packs and product upgrades, or replace product manuals.

   if your XP PRO CD a system builder/OEM CD, request a replacement from your system builder. If they cannot help, order a replacement from Microsoft:

   Europe, Middle East, Africa: http://download.microsoft.com/download/3/7/b/37b3b0ed-a2b2-4ee4-b2ad-a43eb8b11a26/emea%20end%20user%20media%20replacement%20form-final.doc



3. I don't think you should use your dad's because the Installation Disk you get with Dell does not ask you for a key so I'm guessing the key is in the disk it self and is entered automatically, on your laptop (bottom of the laptop) or desktop (side or on the top) there should be a sticker that has your Windows key you'll need that, If I were you I would contact Dell and ask for a XP CD and as you got your PC from dell it should have a Tag and you may need to give them that aswell and dont give up on your first go just keep pushing them until you get what you want.


4. Of course, you may use the disk, as an pirate, that means you can install windows everything will run fine but you cannot register your windows. And cannot get any update released from microsoft.

   Believe me this is really fustrating, my disk got some scratch it won't run, i'm using one of my friends disk, and i know the whole story.

   Now i have a better solution, i installed xp in my pc and turned off the automatic update. Windows running without any problem.



5. A sales company phoned me this evening asking me about replacement Windows.

   I said I had XP.



6. Is there a partition on your hard drive with your OS ghosted/imaged on it? It will probably be called 'recovery' or something similar.

   Contact Dell rather than use the disc; it will be detected and your Dad and you will be barred from getting updates.



7. Just make a recovery disk. your xp and al the importaint drivers wil be backed up onto your recovery disk.

   You cant get a legal copy of xp for free. Microsoft is not a charity.