where can i get REAL win XP Pro and Home cds?

[chronic9]

I run a small PC repair business out of home and alot of customers have win XP issues, when i try to reinstall with my XP cds that i "found" ;) the authentic keys dont go through. I was wondering if theres a MS website where you can just buy the CD it self?

[444]

Going to the maker of the particular pc is prolly your best bet... IIRC microsoft sells the stuff but around full price, they don't just sell cd's by themselves.

[SJConsultant]

I run a small PC repair business out of home and alot of customers have win XP issues, when i try to reinstall with my XP cds that i "found" ;) the authentic keys dont go through. I was wondering if theres a MS website where you can just buy the CD it self?

You can't buy "just" a CD. You'll need to buy a license for the product your trying to reinstall.

Let's see:
Windows XP Home OEM
Windows XP Home upgrade
Windows XP Home Retail
Windows XP Pro OEM
Windows XP Pro Upgrade
Windows XP Pro Retail
Windows XP Pro Volume License.

Got enough cash for that?

Either the customer provides you with a genuine CD (no burnt copies) or they buy a new license to replace the missing one.

FYI if it's an OEM computer the customer should be able to call and obtain replacement media for a modest fee.

[pixelbaker]

are you sure you've "found" the correct type of installer CD? there's OEM, Retail, and Corporate. I believe if you're installing with an OEM CD key and a corporate *cough*warezrelease*cough* CD then you'll run into problems. maybe try "finding" the correct type of CD to match the type of product key.

[SJConsultant]

are you sure you've "found" the correct type of installer CD? there's OEM, Retail, and Corporate. I believe if you're installing with an OEM CD key and a corporate *cough*warezrelease*cough* CD then you'll run into problems. maybe try "finding" the correct type of CD to match the type of product key.

If he is truly running a "business" then using CDs you "found" on the internet is foolish, unprofessional,and downright a disservice in terms of fixing the PC. There are already enough issues out there with piracy without perpetuating the problem by suggesting such a thing.

Yes I know a bit harsh, but it is tiring fixing what others screw up and have to explain to a customer why they need to reformat and reinstall from known trusted CDs. :rolleyes:

At least the OP is asking about how to obtain legitimate media :)

[pixelbaker]

I'm not saying he should use pirated licenses, but legit ones with his "alternative" CDs. I've lost CDs before and in a pinch used downloaded CDs with legit licenses. When you think about it, it's the same as a backup of your own as long as you've paid for the real license, right? I do the same type work and trust me, I don't support using pirated software on customers' systems either. I've also had to deal with the trouble it causes.

[dbwillis]

If your good at burning/editing CD's, you can change the setupp.ini file in the I386 folder on the CD to change what key the Cd will accept

Works as long as you have a good starting point

[Bbq]

Well, I don't see a problem with using self-downloaded cd's, provided you have a legal license. I find a nice "xp-9-in-one" with xp home retail/oem/corp/upgrade, xp pro retail/oem/corp/upgrade, and MCE works well, if you're repairing. Just select the appropriate install, plug in the customer's cd key, and you're set.

[ChingChang]

Tell the customer to call the manufacturer and have them send CDs. That's what we do at Comp USA.

[SJConsultant]

I'm not saying he should use pirated licenses, but legit ones with his "alternative" CDs. I've lost CDs before and in a pinch used downloaded CDs with legit licenses. When you think about it, it's the same as a backup of your own as long as you've paid for the real license, right? I do the same type work and trust me, I don't support using pirated software on customers' systems either. I've also had to deal with the trouble it causes.

The problem with downloaded or "alternative" CDs is that you have no way of verifying if the code has been tampered with, modified, or otherwise changed. You can't possibly know what you've downloaded is a bit for bit copy unless you already possess an original in which case you wouldn't need to download it to begin with.


If anyone working for me ever used a downloaded ISO from an unknown and untrusted (e.g. Not from our own repository) source, they get fired on the spot, no excuses & no second chances.

[chronic9]

i know this thread will end up getting deleted or closed down for what I am about to ask -

can some1 send me a copy of the win xp Home and Pro CDs? I will pay for the shipping and cost of CDs or w.e