Replacement or "Borrowed from friend" WinXP Install CD when Product Activation Key is Available.

[kylepete]

I've got a desktop computer at home which, in its current build, is
running Windows XP Professional (Retail). The OS was purchased online
directly from Microsoft shortly after XP was released several years ago
- my problem now is that I've long since lost this CD, but I'd like to
reformat & do a clean install (obviously, since this copy has been
installed & running for years over several total hardware
overhaul/upgrades, it's heavily muddled).

I've already extracted my product key using Aida32 (God bless it, it's
getting harder & harder to find for free), and only need a RETAIL copy
of WinXP Pro. I've already tried several versions downloaded from
various shady corners of the internet, but none of these have worked
since they are mostly leaked corporate versions (when I apply my CD
Key, it says it does not match the version being installed).

To make things worse, the key was rejected only AFTER a successful
"repair install", and now my OS is non-activated & unavailable for
product updates (included all the wonderful security patches).

I contacted Microsoft Support for this problem (and paid them, since
I'm way out of warranty), and the advice was to "Borrow a copy from a
friend."

So I'm reaching out to you, my unknown friends, help a brother out.

Regards,
Kyle

 

[Malke]

I've got a desktop computer at home which, in its current build, is
running Windows XP Professional (Retail). The OS was purchased online
directly from Microsoft shortly after XP was released several years
ago - my problem now is that I've long since lost this CD, but I'd
like to reformat & do a clean install (obviously, since this copy has
been installed & running for years over several total hardware
overhaul/upgrades, it's heavily muddled).

I've already extracted my product key using Aida32 (God bless it, it's
getting harder & harder to find for free), and only need a RETAIL copy
of WinXP Pro. I've already tried several versions downloaded from
various shady corners of the internet, but none of these have worked
since they are mostly leaked corporate versions (when I apply my CD
Key, it says it does not match the version being installed).

To make things worse, the key was rejected only AFTER a successful
"repair install", and now my OS is non-activated & unavailable for
product updates (included all the wonderful security patches).

I contacted Microsoft Support for this problem (and paid them, since
I'm way out of warranty), and the advice was to "Borrow a copy from a
friend."

I don't know why you called MS Support. Here's the number to call to
replace a lost CD - 800-426-9400; I suppose you need to provide some
sort of proof of purchase.

Other than that, I don't know where you live but most office/computer
supply stores sell retail copies of XP. If you only have the Internet,
try Newegg.com or Amazon.com.

Malke

 

[Mike Fields]

I don't know why you called MS Support. Here's the number to call to
replace a lost CD - 800-426-9400; I suppose you need to provide some
sort of proof of purchase.

Other than that, I don't know where you live but most office/computer
supply stores sell retail copies of XP. If you only have the Internet,
try Newegg.com or Amazon.com.

Malke
--

He shouldn't have to buy a retail copy since he already has one
according to the OP -- AND -- he was clever enough to make
sure he had his original key BEFORE doing the install. Probably
even find someone in Antarctica that has a retail CD

 

[Steve N.]

kylepete wrote:

I contacted Microsoft Support for this problem (and paid them, since
I'm way out of warranty), and the advice was to "Borrow a copy from a
friend."

An M$ rep told you that? LOL! Are your reading this Carey Frisch?

Steve

 

[kylepete]

Steve,

An M$ rep told you that? LOL! Are your reading this Carey Frisch?

I'm calling from Taiwan, and I think the M$ rep was in India He
cited the long ago purchase as the reason I'd never receive a
replacement from the Asia/Pac office...

Malke, I'll try the number you've listed, hopefully I can give them
enough details about myself around the time of my purchase to convince
them I am worthy of a replacment!

 

[kylepete]

Oops, hit send too fast... THANKS ALL!