How do I do If I lost my copy of Windows XP Home? But have a valid Product Key?

Question

I have lost my original disk and I want to reformat my computer without buying another copy of Windows - Can I do that?

Answer 1

Find someone with a disc and just use your product key. That will be your only way.

Answer 2

Borrow a disk from a friend and use your product key.

Contact Microsoft Support. You should be able to get a replacement disk (for a nominal fee) for your product key.

From the MS Support Knowledge Center:
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How to order replacement parts
Parts can be ordered through the Microsoft Order Desk. This may include replacement disks or manuals. You should have your original CD or disks available as proof of purchase when you call the order desk.

U.S. Customers can contact the Microsoft Order Desk at 1-800-360-7561, Monday through Friday, 5:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Pacific time.

Canadian Customers can contact the Microsoft Order Desk at 1-800-933-4750, Monday through Friday, 5:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Pacific time.
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Replacement costs
Customers may be charged for the replacements in the following circumstances: • The customer lost the software.
• The software was broken due to personal damage.
• The software is beyond the 90-day warranty period.
The price for replacement software varies and includes costs for shipping and handling and any applicable sales tax.

Answer 3

Find My Product Key / CD Key
WinXP: http://www.mvps.org/marksxp/WindowsXP/prodid.php
Office: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA011508341033.aspx

Windows 98 and ME: http://dundats.mvps.org/Windows/Win98/Prod_Key.htm

Replace Lost Office Product Keys
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA011508341033.aspx
To obtain a new product key for your Office program in the United States, call 1-800-936-5700 and speak to a Microsoft customer service representative. Outside of the United States, call the number that appears in the activation wizard.
When you call Microsoft for a new Office product key, have the following items available for the customer service representative:
·The product CD-ROM
·The computer on which you want to install Office
·The readable parts of your original product key (if available)
The ProductID information in the registry

Answer 4

Before you buy VISTA read the articles at:

http://www.maximumpc.com/2007/01/10_reasons_you.html

http://www.thestar.com/Business/article/175801

http://www.boingboing.net/2007/01/13/vista_suicide_note_r.html

Linux operating systems are excellent. Try out one of the free distributions. My favorite is UBUNTU. You can download it, or order a CD, at

http://www.ubuntu.com .

You will also get all the software, that you will ever need, FREE - See

http://wiki.linuxquestions.org/wiki/Linux_software_equivalent_to_Windows_software

Answer 5

If you don't have the OS and you reformat your HD you still don't have an OS.?!?!?