Need help finding a Windows XP Home Edition ISO (for LEGAL use)

[wreckedcarzz]

Hey all,

A friend of mine is getting a new computer (used) in about a week and the current owner says that it has "a bunch of stuff on it" and we both think it would be best to start off with a fresh Windows install - except the machine only comes with the Windows Product Key (no disks/recovery partition at all). I have been surfing torrent sites for a Windows XP Home Edition SP3 ISO, but all I can find is cracked/illegal versions. Can anyone help me out? It doesn't need to be SP3 (that would be best, but it isn't a problem otherwise) as long as it is for Home Edition and is a legal/non-cracked copy.

Anyone?

[Eóin]

The legalities on these issues are always dubious but if the key is legit then ultimately that's what you paid for so there should be nothing wrong. Also this link was mentioned here before.

http://www.tipandtrick.net/2008/download-unmodified-original-windows-xp-with-sp3-integrated-full-retail-and-vl-install-cd-iso-image-from-msdntechnet-plus-via-http-or-torrent/

[wreckedcarzz]

Just what I was looking for - a clean, retail ISO

Thanks

[nudone]

the key might not work with that ISO. i think the ISO is VL so if the key is for OEM i think you'll run into trouble.

[ChalkTrauma]

This may be of help, I've used this method and it really does work:

How to Create a Bootable Windows XP Setup Disk on a Preinstalled / Preloaded Windows System

[Eóin]

Nudone, there are retail ISOs there also, but yeah if you download the VL ISO a preinstalled key won't work with it.

[wraith808]

Just what I was looking for - a clean, retail ISO

Thanks

Were you able to get it?  I've been trying to solve this same problem- installing with only a key not a cd.  But deposit files doesn't have the ISO posted anymore.

[Eóin]

Didn't check if the links were still valid myself, but try the torrent files. And of course always make you you double check the file hash when it's downloaded to be sure you have a genuine non hacked ISO.

[wraith808]

Yeah... I hate torrents that way.  I've downloaded what were supposed to be legitimate copies before from torrents (in general isos to machines that didn't have cd/dvd drives) and they've been hacked... always a question of should I go ahead and use that since I have a legitimate version or not.

[wreckedcarzz]

Were you able to get it?  I've been trying to solve this same problem- installing with only a key not a cd.  But deposit files doesn't have the ISO posted anymore.

My friend said he started the download (he is on a 200MB/day cap) so I'm not sure yet if it is working. I linked him the Retail version of Home (the ISO and not the Torrent)

Windows XP Home with Service Pack 3 (x86) Retail CD (English)

Direct Download via HTTP: en_windows_xp_home_with_service_pack_3_x86_cd_x14-92413.iso
Size: 564.72 MB
SHA1: 5a6b959ad24d15dc7ebd85e501b83d105d1b37c6
ISO/CRC: FFFFFFFF

so hopefully he can get it downloaded and burned and everything will go to plan...

[wraith808]

200MB per day?!?  Wow... I couldn't deal with that easily...