BruceM said:
Wouldn't have to be an OEM.
Read the label on your case & see if it has OEM on it or not.
If you're in Australia I'll soon burn a copy & send for postage.
Gees, it's only a backup & not the reg key you know.
I can't believe the MS cops can be so ...............
Local comp shop'll probably do it for a buck. (or 2)
Once again your reply shows a lack of knowledge about Windows and
computers in general. No one is being an "MS cop". We all know that the
Product Key is the license, not the physical media. However, physical
media must match the version of XP installed on the computer; i.e., XP
Home-Pro-MCE Retail, XP Home-Pro-MCE OEM, etc.
In addition to the operating system itself, most machines from large
OEMs such as Dell, HP, etc. have bundled software. A generic, or even
branded, OEM will not restore the OP's computer to factory condition if
the OEM used the Recovery Disk method. The OP may be unpleasantly
surprised to find s/he doesn't have Word installed afterwards.
To the OP:
If you purchased the computer from a large OEM, you should contact them
for replacement of recovery disks. This will be far less expensive than
purchasing another copy of Windows and will ensure that you get any
bundled software and drivers that originally came preinstalled.
If you don't have this sort of machine or can't do this for some reason,
see this link for replacing missing retail XP install CDs:
How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware -
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;326246
Another possibility is to borrow an install CD from a friend. It must
match the version you have installed. Afterwards, don't forget to
install the drivers and any other third-party programs you need.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html - Clean Install How-To
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Reinstalling_Windows -
What you will need on-hand
One more option would be to take the machine to a local computer
professional (not your version of BigStoreUSA/GeekSquad) and have them
reinstall Windows. Most shops (like mine) have a collection of branded
OEM install disks along with generic OEM install disks to use for this
purpose.
Malke