Lost Windows XP disc

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I had to reformat my hard drive (virus) and can't find the Windows XP disc
that came with my Dell computer several years ago. Dell is telling me I have
to buy a whole new Windows XP at full price. This must have happened to
other people. I bought the software and paid for it legitimately, Dell has
proof. I can't use the software on another computer and other copies won't
work on mine. It doesn't seem reasonable that I should have to buy the same
software twice at full price!

Any suggestions or help? Is there anyone at Microsoft I can contact to
plead my case?

Thanks!
 
Oxnard Flootsnoot said:
I had to reformat my hard drive (virus) and can't find the Windows XP disc
that came with my Dell computer several years ago. Dell is telling me I
have
to buy a whole new Windows XP at full price. This must have happened to
other people. I bought the software and paid for it legitimately, Dell
has
proof. I can't use the software on another computer and other copies
won't
work on mine. It doesn't seem reasonable that I should have to buy the
same
software twice at full price!

Any suggestions or help? Is there anyone at Microsoft I can contact to
plead my case?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

This is fairly common. What I find most distasteful about the way OEMs
handle this is they'll charge $150 extra to bump a system up to XP Pro but
still will not provide the media with the system.

The cost-free option is to find a CD that matches the OS originally
installed on your system (e.g. OEM, Windows XP Home, and SP1). You can use
that CD to install your OS and it will accept the Product Key on the COA
affixed to your Dell. A CD that does not match (i.e Retail, Windows XP Pro,
or SP2) will reject the Product Key when entered.

The next option is to order an OEM version w/ COA from eDirectSoftware for
less than $100.

Windows XP Professional w/ COA
http://www.edirectsoftware.com/product.php?product_id=16139

Windows XP Home w/COA
http://www.edirectsoftware.com/product.php?product_id=16142

Look, they even have the Dell logo! That must be where Dell sends all their
media instead of to their paying customers.

carl
 
Why would you call Microsoft when you have a problem with Dell - and keeping
track of your valuable software?
 
You chose to buy OEM.
Think of OEM as being manufacturer, distributed and supported by the OEM
with Microsoft having no part of the situation.
Microsoft will not support what they are not part of any more than Ford will
perform warranty work on a GM.

Dell is the cheapest option.
If Dell is unable to help you replace what you lost, you have a few options,
some are:
1. Buy the operating system of your choice.
2. Ebay often has them, make sure it is the correct CD for your computer:
http://computers.search.ebay.com/de...saprcloZQQsaslcZ2QQsbrftogZ1QQsofocusZunknown
 
Before buying on ebay make sure that you can activate the OS. Often they are
copies and won't activate.
 
Thanks so much, Vagabond. I guess I'll buy the OEM software.

Sure appreciate your help...and so does my 7 year old son, who's dying to
get back to internet games...
 
Very true.
As usual with Ebay, buyer beware.
The only protection a buyer has is whatever the buyer has.
Do not count on Ebay, the seller or anyone else for assurances of Ebay
suitability for use.
A lot of high cost low quality coasters are sold through Ebay.
 
Thanks, folks!

I've never bought on ebay and wouldn't start with software that's very
specific and about which I know little. I bought from e-direct. I have
reservations about them...seem like they used to be good but have become
lousy from reviews. I don't know where else to go, and figure I have
protection from pay pal and AMEX.
 
Those protections may be fine.
Just do not count on Ebay or the seller.

I believe most sellers are honest with legitimate products, but that matters
little when you deal with one of the few bad sellers and lose your $.
 
The bank may have proof that you took out a $100 bill, but why would you
expect them to replace it when you loose it?

message :I had to reformat my hard drive (virus) and can't find the Windows XP disc
: that came with my Dell computer several years ago. Dell is telling me I
have
: to buy a whole new Windows XP at full price. This must have happened to
: other people. I bought the software and paid for it legitimately, Dell
has
: proof. I can't use the software on another computer and other copies
won't
: work on mine. It doesn't seem reasonable that I should have to buy the
same
: software twice at full price!
:
: Any suggestions or help? Is there anyone at Microsoft I can contact to
: plead my case?
:
: Thanks!
 
In
Oxnard Flootsnoot said:
Thanks so much, Vagabond. I guess I'll buy the OEM software.

Sure appreciate your help...and so does my 7 year old son, who's
dying to get back to internet games...
Click to expand...

If you know someone with a Dell computer, you can use it with your product
key that is located on the side of the computer case. Burn a copy of the
disk in case you need it in the future. The CD's the same, the PK is the
unique part.

--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm
 
=?Utf-8?B?T3huYXJkIEZsb290c25vb3Q=?= said:
I had to reformat my hard drive (virus) and can't find the Windows XP disc
that came with my Dell computer several years ago. Dell is telling me I have
to buy a whole new Windows XP at full price. This must have happened to
Click to expand...

I bought a lawnmower, but lost it. I called the lawnmower company but
they refused to send me new one. This is just so unfair. I paid once for
my lawnmower. Why should I have to pay again if it fell off the back of
my pickup truck.
 
If I find it can I use it on my lawn? Or, was it an OEM model and only
legally be used on your lawn?

And it brings up the question of transplanting sod!
 
Don said:
If I find it can I use it on my lawn? Or, was it an OEM model and only
legally be used on your lawn?
Click to expand...

They just built some new homes in my neighborhood. One family had had a
landscape company install a sod lawn and about 15, ten foot trees. Guy's
check bounced, so they came back and rolled up his yard and took back
the trees. Pretty funny to watch the sod being reomved in rolls by a
band of mexicans in uniform.
 
Microsoft keeps a whole record of your WPA-Key (CD-Key), when one forcibly
activates Windows XP SP1. Right? So why could they not issue you, guys, and
me a proof of purchase-verified download; just like what the offer to whistle
blowers when reporting bougus CD-Key serial numbers of pirate Windows xx-OS
versions?
Furthermore, I expect and want a logical, rational, customer focused,
service and support-oriented and professional answer.
I understand your explanations very well. However Microsoft is neighter a
bank and, certainly, would never compare it to Dell or anyone else.
 
Microsoft does NOT keep the kind of records tieing thre key to a person or
computer.
Microsoft would hear no end of it from those watching to protect your
privacy if there were such records.

Also since you did not quote even a portion of the post you responded, much
of your answer is lost.
 
Oxnard said:
I had to reformat my hard drive (virus) and can't find the Windows XP disc
that came with my Dell computer several years ago.
Click to expand...

Life's tough, huh?
 
Uncle Grumpy said:
Life's tough, huh?
Click to expand...

Today, Dell does not even provide the XP disk with new systems. They don't
provide any disks except the typical AOL, OEM less than full functional Word
Perfect 12, and the security utilities. Very sad.

Richard.
 
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