-----Original Message-----
A virus has corrupted several parts of Windows XP and
Internet Explorer. I went to reload Windows XP Home and I
have a large scratch on the disk making it useless. Is
there a way to send this disk back to Microsoft and get a
new one, or do I have to buy a new XP Home Edition.
.
If you have a valid CD-Key for WinXP Home you could copy
someone elses WinXP Home CD and use your personal key to
install/repair WinXP. You would have to make sure you are
using the same version of WinXP Home though since there
are 3 versions and the CD key you have will only work on
one of the 3 versions of WinXP Home. The 3 versions are
OEM, Upgrade and Retail. If you look at your own CD, it
should tell you what version of WinXP you have.
The legalities of doing this is unknown to me but I am
presuming that since you have a valid licensed key, the
medium used to copy the files is unimportant. Again, I'm
no lawyer but this is what I would do.
Hope this helps!
Gary Thorn
MVP-Windows Technologies/Xbox
Associate Expert
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