Where to get XP?

andyrules

We have a laptop which was bought with xp installed. Unfortunately, someone uninstalled it whilst repairing and we don't seem to have the disk or key.

Can anyone recommend cheapest place to get it or should I just go on ebay?

thirascule

Not ebay, unless you're very lucky you'll get a hooky copy.

I think both ebuyer and amazon have oem XP's for a decent price.

Amazon have xp home with sp3 for £61.98.

DatabaseError

your laptop should have a sticker underneath with a product key, if it has, just borrow a disk of the same version (home/pro/media)

shadowdragon

tonyhague wrote: »

your laptop should have a sticker underneath with a product key, if it has, just borrow a disk of the same version (home/pro/media)

this is correct, I just did the exact same thing two days ago when my xp pro cd was knackered. the discs are generic its the numbers that are unique.

ZootHornRollo

so deos that mean i can use an xp sp3 disc to reinstall it on my dads pc which was supplied with an original xp disc (it was one of the first pcs to be shipped with XP).

Its a proper pain having to install xp then install the service pack afterwards and makes for a messy instalation.

shadowdragon

it should be ok because MS dont require reactivation after installation of SP3, best bet is try, you have nothing to loose as long as you have a valid keycode, worst case is that it wont work and you will have to purchase another copy of xp.

But whats worst, xp and d/l all the updates or shelling out 60 quid for something you really dont neeed?

totalsolutions

Just install WinXP any version and away you go. Back up your data! Clean install. Download any drivers you may want first and use Belarc Advisor to take note of all devices and software installed.

belarc and select Download

andyrules

Well thanks for that, there is a sticker. Glad I asked, as I rang pc world earlier and they said they would have to order a copy and it would be 6 weeks:eek:. Whole thing would be about £100.

aerostar

totalsolutions wrote: »

Just install WinXP any version and away you go. Back up your data! Clean install. Download any drivers you may want first and use Belarc Advisor to take note of all devices and software installed.

belarc and select Download

Your XP key on the bottom of the computer will tell you what version it is for, you cannot load any old XP, you must install the same version, eg if your key is for XP home it will not work with XP Pro and vice versa.

Also your key could be for an OEM version, again these keys are different for full retail product. If your dads XP is the same version as yours then it should work use your key and not his.

Hungerdunger

andyrules wrote: »

I rang pc world earlier

Big mistake

andyrules

Hungerdunger wrote: »

Big mistake

Desperate people do desperate things:D

just rung a small repair place and they said they can re-install with the sticker thing for £60 - does that sound about right? Said it would include antivirus, but we already have one installed - does that mean they will take everything off it?