Possible to download Windows XP for re-install?

[bonkk]

Lately my computer has been showing a small black screen for a second or two,
and freezing on occasion.. I have a Dell Computer with Windows XP
professional ver 2002.. I called Dell, and was told that it didn't seem like
a hardware problem, but more like Windows was corrupted, and advised to
re-install Windows.. Problem is for some reason, I can not find my windows
disk.. Does anyone know if there is somewhere I can download it??? They must
know I have a legal copy,as they keep sending me updates...

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

No, you cannot "download WinXP for re-install." Contact Dell Support for
replacement disks or check to see if your computer has a hidden Recovery
partition.

 

[sgopus]

Nope, have to buy one.

 

[Daave]

Lately my computer has been showing a small black screen for a second
or two, and freezing on occasion.. I have a Dell Computer with
Windows XP professional ver 2002.. I called Dell, and was told that
it didn't seem like a hardware problem, but more like Windows was
corrupted, and advised to re-install Windows.. Problem is for some
reason, I can not find my windows disk.

Not all Dells came with CDs. Did yours?

If not, you might have a hidden restore partition, accessible at bootup
(before Windows loads) by pressing Ctrl+F11. More info:

http://www.goodells.net/dellrestore/

If you did lose the CD, contact Dell. They might be able to sell you a
replacement for a nominal fee. Otherwise, these Dell CDs are ubiquitous.
Perhaps you can borrow one from an acquaintance. I've seen them for sale
by dealers at Amazon and for auction by dealers at Ebay. As long as you
do business with a reputable dealer with high ratings, you'll be fine.

Does anyone know if there is
somewhere I can download it???

Sure. Torrents exist all over the place. But mixed in with these legit
images are ones riddled with malware. So I cannot recommend this method
for you. Basically, if you don't where they can be found, you won't be
sophisticated enough to be able to tell the difference and thus avoid
the bad stuff.

Your best bet is to borrow a Dell CD form an acquanintance and make a
copy. Yes, this is legal since you do own the license. Just make sure
the CD matches the type of XP indicated on your Certificate of
Authenticity (COA) sticker (presumably XP Pro). Otherwise, contact Dell
or look at Ebay or Amazon.

That being said, the possibility of a hardware problem still exists! For
more info, have a look here:

http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Hardware_Tshoot

 

[VanguardLH]

Lately my computer has been showing a small black screen for a second or two,
and freezing on occasion.. I have a Dell Computer with Windows XP
professional ver 2002.. I called Dell, and was told that it didn't seem like
a hardware problem, but more like Windows was corrupted, and advised to
re-install Windows.. Problem is for some reason, I can not find my windows
disk.. Does anyone know if there is somewhere I can download it??? They must
know I have a legal copy,as they keep sending me updates...

RTFM

Follow the manual's instructions on how to restore your OS partition to its
factory-time setup. Also follow the manual's instructions on how to create
recovery/restore CDs.

Or call Dell and order a set of replacement CDs (cost is probably $20+).