Where can I download Windows XP?

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Actually, you _can_ legally download XP, and several other versions of Windows, _if_ you have a subscription to MSDN. (In other words, you've paid for the privilege.)

But, in general, you are correct that XP is not legally available for download.

Actually if money is the problem, and you are a student, you should be able to get it from your campus at a relatively cheap student price, or search the net for students software...
Bon Chance
Lou

in India 80% of PC owners have pirated version of Window XP. Reason is obvious a middle income group person finds it difficult to dole out 200 to 300 dollers just for the soft ware. A pirated CD coast you just one or two dollars. And a pirated version except hurting your conscience it does all the routine functions. An original CD after it is burnt it can not be reused, if per chance there is an error in loading or a virus requiring to re-boot the PC you have to spend again Rupees ten to twelve thousnd. You may not agree but it is a big amount. So what the end useer does, he burns the CD and first make a copy of it on his flopy and keep on re using it. I do not think that even in USA a middle income group PC owner would like to dole out ten to twelve thousand dollars for an original XP. Microsoft is facing the problem of pirated CD's from China and other developing countries. So only solution is to seconds version of XP CD's which are being offerred in US markets too.

In regards to getting Windows XP:
You can go to MSN/Windows and request a CD, they will send it to you for FREE & at the same time you should also request a Windows sp2, because you will want to upgrade to sp2 eventually. But they are both free & legal. You have to download windows xp first, and the in a couple of days download sp2. I have requested the CD's to use if the worst happens. Really, they are happy to send you the CD's.

In his case, XP would be illegal to download since he has no key, but wouldn't it be legal if you had a key and had lost the disc? That way you are not actually stealing what the company values, the key. You are taking a copy of the disc.

The only thing I liked about that response is the fact you said he should look into Linux, but other than that, I find it absolutely hysterical that you said 5 times that it would be illegal and never once told him that his PC is probably too old to even run XP. Or if it can, it would be so hard to use that he would be downgrading within a few days. Also, I HATE when people say that pirating is stealing. Yes it is illegal, but it is not theft. If I were to go in your home and steal your favorite piece of software, you would no longer have it, correct? Correct. If I ran in there, made a copy of it, and left you the original, would it be theft? No. I personally use Linux and would HIGHLY recommend PCLINUXOS 2007 - it runs fantastic on PCs that old and is, to my experience more user friendly than even Windows. Since we know you won’t be doing any gaming, it will fit all your needs. http://www.pclinuxos.com/ and a cd burning utility and you are well on your way.
I don't recommend pirating software, especially if there is a free alternative out there (which in many cases there is usually more than one) but it is NOT theft. It is copy right infringement - and considering most the price of XP pays for their legal and patent fees for their STOLEN code...I don't think they the little that they get.

Debbie: I have contacted Microsoft about your question (also because I had a situation come up regarding the same) and per a Microsoft rep, if the Product key is not used or, is to be used on the same device it was originally used on you can use a copied version of the installation media (CD). They are only concerned with the license itself. They said if I wanted to make multiple copies of the installation media for my organization I could, I just cannot install it on any computers unless I have a product key for each.

jnhin: regardless of how you put it stealing is stealing. Whether you are stealing from a person from their house or stealing from a developing corporation (making a copy) stealing is stealing since you didn't pay for a non-free product. if you really want to get down to details thats fine as long as you understand both scenerios are illegal thats all that matters.

yes it all sounds illegal but it is less clear whether it is wrong and deserves being described as stealing. Many things that are "wrong" are perfectly legal such as the way software companies monopolize the marketplace and milk the release of new versions of their software. Why not "steal" xp? Isn't the SCHEME to make xp obsolete with vista anyway.

There is a legal way to do that though... It's called Student. This is actually legal even though your not buying it. Because the product key is legit and can be used thousands of times without it saying someone else has already used this key. I only know this because I use this key. I use it because i bought XP Pro Student. It's Legit and such but i don't suggest doing it!

You can download Windows XP at [illegal file sharing site removed]
but the only way to get windows xp legally is to buy it.

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