Windows XP OS

[Shao Feng-Li]

Somewhere, we lost the XP disc for my mom's computer. Is there any place online where I can get a cheap and legit copy of XP Pro?

This is what I've found so far: http://cdsfu.com/index.php?categoryID=87

But I have no knowledge of the site and don't want to just throw credit card number around.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

I wouldn't risk it. It doesn't seem legit.

It's always a good idea to back up hard copies of discs that are expensive and can't be backed up by other means.

Maybe call Microsoft? If you have the serial key, they may be able to help you.

[Shao Feng-Li]

I don't have anything :\ It's been quite a while now.

[Kaligraphic]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116515

$135 at Newegg


You can look around, but if you see a price for the same product much lower than that, it's pretty much guaranteed to be pirated.

If you have a version that came preinstalled, though, you may be be able to purchase replacement media from Microsoft, and just use the serial from your current sticker.

[Shao Feng-Li]

If only I had a $135.

It's a home built machine, so no luck there.

[Midori]

Oh well, I guess you'll have to use Linux...
Actually, do you live near a community college? It's common for software to be extra-cheap at college bookstores, so you may be able find a good bargain on Windows XP there.

[ich1990]

Oh well, I guess you'll have to use Linux...

...and Ubuntu would probably give you the least amount of conflicts.

You can download it or request a free copy via dvd here:

http://www.ubuntu.com/products/WhatIsUbuntu/desktopedition

[Shao Feng-Li]

If Linux was an option, I wouldn't be asking XD It's my mom's computer and it's the gaming rig.

[ich1990]

Can't blame a person for trying, though.

"Down with the tyrants! Loosen the shackles of slavery and join me in the land of freedom: the land of linux!"

At least that is how it was pitched to me.

[Shao Feng-Li]

I liked Ubuntu on my laptop until I rebooted and it wouldn't work XD

[Mithrandir]

Midori's other point, while seemingly lost, is probably your best option. Many community colleges or JCs *do* have very reasonable prices on XP. In fact, I can get a copy of vista (upgrade) for $99. Not that I want it; just saying. Just FYI: I can't get a copy of XP most other places (MS is hoping to stop selling XP and make everyone get a copy of windows 7).

On that note, you can get a 6-8 month extension by simply downloading the beta version of windows 7 and using *that*. You won't be able to keep using it past august, but you'll buy some time until you get something else. I've haven't heard many complaints about it; it's mostly reputed to be stable. YMMV, though.

[Shao Feng-Li]

I don't know what YMMV means, but I might check out Lewis-Clark State and see if they have anything.

I had meant to reply to Midori, but kinda forgot XD

[Midori]

Your Mileage May Vary, I think.

Tell you the truth, I can't find XP at my college's bookstore, only Vista. XP is becoming rarer every day.

Here's another crazy open source alternative (not necessarily meant to be taken seriously): ReactOS. Apparently it's a total reimplementation of windows based on free software. Just in case you're feeling adventurous and expirimental.

I liked Ubuntu on my laptop until I rebooted and it wouldn't work XD

Perhaps what I'm saying is more appropriate for another thread, but, did you by any chance have an nvidia graphics card? Because, I had a similar problem when I did, where I had to reinstall my graphics driver every so often before it would run any graphical things. I think it's not so much of a problem nowadays (there have been a lot of updates).

[Warrior4Christ]

Here's another crazy open source alternative (not necessarily meant to be taken seriously): ReactOS. Apparently it's a total reimplementation of windows based on free software. Just in case you're feeling adventurous and expirimental.

I've heard ReactOS is very experimental! (In fact, I tried installing it and it always froze in the installation on the computer I was testing it on.)

[Shao Feng-Li]

Your Mileage May Vary, I think.

Tell you the truth, I can't find XP at my college's bookstore, only Vista. XP is becoming rarer every day.

Here's another crazy open source alternative (not necessarily meant to be taken seriously): ReactOS. Apparently it's a total reimplementation of windows based on free software. Just in case you're feeling adventurous and expirimental.

Perhaps what I'm saying is more appropriate for another thread, but, did you by any chance have an nvidia graphics card? Because, I had a similar problem when I did, where I had to reinstall my graphics driver every so often before it would run any graphical things. I think it's not so much of a problem nowadays (there have been a lot of updates).

Nope, just Intel graphics with my laptop.