Windows X fucking P

[wishface]

Is there anywhere to legally download this (ie buy it) online?

 

[kyser_soze]

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=buy+windows+XP&meta=

 

[mauvais]

That's not the answer to the question.

I've never heard of it, no. You can download Vista in North America, but that seems to be it.

 

[wishface]

That's not the answer to the question.

I've never heard of it, no. You can download Vista in North America, but that seems to be it.

oh well. it was a longshot.

 

[Dask]

There is a Microsoft developer (MSDN) site where you can download all of their products, however I'm not sure of the URL or if you can do it without becoming a registered developer.

 

[kyser_soze]

That's not the answer to the question.

I've never heard of it, no. You can download Vista in North America, but that seems to be it.

It's a google search for 'buy XP online'

 

[mauvais]

It's a google search for 'buy XP online'

Yeah, but they want to download it, i.e. not just order a CD via a website.

 

[skyscraper101]

Surely its easier to just go illegal no?

If you're that bothered about it...just go and buy an actual copy from WHSmith or PC World when you're out shoppping

 

[mauvais]

You could buy one on eBay and get the seller to email your key before they post it, and use the key on a downloaded illegal copy.

This has two problems: 1. getting a legit copy, and 2. there are several different downloadable versions and a genuine key will only correspond with one.

 

[wishface]

Surely its easier to just go illegal no?

If you're that bothered about it...just go and buy an actual copy from WHSmith or PC World when you're out shoppping

problem with this is that a) no shop sells anything less than vista (here anyways) and b) their prices are extortionate.

And pc world? are ye kidding?

as for downloaing a moody copy, normally i would but when it comes to OS's i'd rather not fuck about with something that might not work and then have to reboot everything

 

[subversplat]

Download a pirate version, get caught with WPA, buy a licence key online. Simple.

 

[upsidedownwalrus]

Even if you install a pirate version, all that happens is that each time you restart, you get a message saying that you haven't installed 'windows genuine advantage' and a little silver star appears in the bottom right hand corner which bugs you about every 3 hours to install the right one.

I know this as all the computers in my chinese school's office use fake windows.

 

[subversplat]

Even if you install a pirate version, all that happens is that each time you restart, you get a message saying that you haven't installed 'windows genuine advantage' and a little silver star appears in the bottom right hand corner which bugs you about every 3 hours to install the right one.

I know this as all the computers in my chinese school's office use fake windows.

You also have to go around the houses to get Windows Media Player 10 and above, and IE 7, and a few other things.

 

[wishface]

You also have to go around the houses to get Windows Media Player 10 and above, and IE 7, and a few other things.

and of course the service packs and updates.

this of course assumes that what you download actually works, which is my main concernl because if not you've just wiped your HD for nothing.

 

[wishface]

Download a pirate version, get caught with WPA, buy a licence key online. Simple.

where from?

 

[subversplat]

Anywhere. Piratebay will have XP home basic on there, and WGA (not WPA, sorry) will complain, and you'll have the option to buy a licence key.

 

[wishface]

no i meant where can you buy the license key.

and more importantly how much.

 

[subversplat]

no i meant where can you buy the license key.

and more importantly how much.

This page explains what I'm on about. Read the question: What are the details of the genuine Windows offer?

You can buy a licence key if you've got a pirate copy installed.

 

[wishface]

doesn't seem to say how much it costs or how you get thsi key. I bet it's US only.

 

[ch750536]

You also have to go around the houses to get Windows Media Player 10 and above, and IE 7, and a few other things.

And why the funk would you want them!

 

[jæd]

Anywhere. Piratebay will have XP home basic on there, and WGA (not WPA, sorry) will complain, and you'll have the option to buy a licence key.

Just as quick to download a Corporate Install that doesn't require a key and has been modified so its completely updatable...

Personally, if I wanted to get a completely legit version of Xp, I'd be going done the OEM route and ordering disks. They'd come in two/three days so I'm not sure what the hurry is...

 

[jæd]

and of course the service packs and updates.

this of course assumes that what you download actually works, which is my main concernl because if not you've just wiped your HD for nothing.

Unlikely...! All of the "downloaded" versions of Xp I've obtained have been fine. If you're so worried just order a CD copy from somewhere. Much easier...!

 

[treelover]

is it the case that WgA only comes up with windows xp with sp2, not sp1

 

[subversplat]

Just as quick to download a Corporate Install that doesn't require a key and has been modified so its completely updatable...

Oh yeah without a doubt. I was just answering within the brief of the question

 

[wishface]

buying the key costs £95.

ridiculous.

can you download all the updates separately and install them without having to go online when installing xp?

 

[stdPikachu]

can you download all the updates separately and install them without having to go online when installing xp?

You used to be able to with autopatcher, but MS took it down. Unless an alternative has popped up, you'll need to download and install each update individually. They're trying to make it so that if you want to keep windows updated, the only way to do it is via MS and Windows Genuine Authoritarianism.

 

[wishface]

One thing struck me as I've just been chatting with one of the tlefonemensch at the MS reichstag, my ma has xp on her machine but no disc. they said if she got the disc, which she is apparenlty entitled to (and i agree), i could install it but would have to pay for a spearate key (as has been suggested already). Now how would they know the difference between me installing her xp on my machneine and her reinstalling it (say after some fuck up and she had to reboot)? Same difference surely?

 

[stdPikachu]

Does she have a license for XP? It's usually on a garish sticker stuck to the back or the side. If you're just going to be reinstalling on the same machine, you don't need to buy another license.

Obviously, if she didn't have a license to begin with, it's a dodgy copy and you should count yourself lucky that the Waffen MS didn't send their sturmbahnfuhrers over

 

[wishface]

Not exactly sure right now, will have to enquire. I think it's legit: it came with the machine and the machine is brand new.

but my question was how would they know if it's being reinstalled on the same machine and not me installing it as a fresh OS on a different pc (mine)?

 

[stdPikachu]

Not exactly sure right now, will have to enquire. I think it's legit: it came with the machine and the machine is brand new.

but my question was how would they know if it's being reinstalled on the same machine and not me installing it as a fresh OS on a different pc (mine)?

XP makes a mini-database of all the hardware in your machine based on things like manufacurer ID's, serial numbers, BIOS version, that sort of thing, which is sent to MS as part of the activation process. Change too much stuff (which reinstalling with the same product key on completely new hardware does) and you're flagged as "invalid" and have to call up MS and ask them to unlock your machine. General rule of thumb is to tell them that your motherboard blew up or something, and that you've replaced all the bits inside and they'll generally issue you a new one.