I have a licensed original copy with the additional sp3 complimentary disk. since you already have a key and it is for the same sub-brand of windows, there shouldn't be any problems. one issue though, the OS will try to register itself with microsoft and because it can't connect to the net during the install, it will request you call the MS 800 number. that is where the snag is: MS will not issue a registration code to you, leaving you without a fully functional OS. I went through this with my in-laws machine 2 months ago. MS was not cooperative and bluntly told me to upgrade to 7 (which would have entailed a hardware upgrade, which was not in the budget).
I would almost say it would be worth to get an older model vmware free server (that is still available from vmware) and install XP to that after installing a lightweight linux as host. then you could make a backup of the XP OS after all the updates are done. this way, you can use both and if XP gets cranky, erase the current operating image and copy the backup into place, install the apps you want and go right back to doing what you want to do.
this is a good workaround and has served me well in the past.
-eric
On Jan 1, 2012, at 11:57 AM, Mark Phillips wrote:
> I have an old Dell server running Windows XP Pro, which has gotten so slow that my best plan is to wipe it and re-install. I have the license tag on the box but no CDs to install. The machine use to be a gaming machine for my kids when they were younger, and they moved on to only needing iTunes.
>
> Does anyone have a Windows XP Pro CD I can borrow? Can I download it from somewhere on the net?
>
> I assume this is legal, as I have the license, just not the media.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Mark
> ---------------------------------------------------
> PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us
> To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change your mail settings:
> http://lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss
---------------------------------------------------
PLUG-discuss mailing list -
PLUG-discuss@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us
To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change your mail settings:
http://lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss
(text/plain)