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I have my CD-key sticker with me but don't have the CD anymore. Is there anywhere I can download Windows XP SP3 installation disc from?

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up vote 9 down vote

If you have a sticker that is on the side of a computer, it is an OEM licence and only valid for the machine it came with. Contact your system builder who should be able to order you a new one for a minimal charge + shipping.

If you have a fully packaged product and can not find the CD, contact Microsoft, who again for a minimal charge + shipping should be able to order you a new media kit. Alternatively, if you have a MSDN or Technet Subscription, you may get lucky (but not always) and download a version from there and using your serial key.

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"Minimal charge" is a relative statement. Fees can vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer, and some companies that issued the OEM license no longer exist. Some manufacturers have very friendly policies about OS discs, but not all of them. – Zoot Oct 20 '10 at 17:34
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If you don't have any MSDN, TechNet or similar subscription I don't think there is any possible way for you to download MS software legally.

The other thing is you may as well have an OEM version, which is usually branded and follows different key patterns than regular retail version. If your case is about an OEM version, you could contact your local retailer of your particular brand and see if they can provide you with an OEM installation CD if they have it at all. As much as I know, most brands these days already pre-install OS on the installed hard disk.

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Just found an OEM version on torrent thats specifically upload for those who've lost their CDs – Nimbuz Dec 28 '09 at 11:52
If it's on Torrent it's high probability that it's not legal. – Robert Koritnik Jan 4 '10 at 10:52
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@Nimbuz: How do you know that version you found hasn't been tampered with? All manner of trojans, root kits or worse could be along for the ride. – Mark Johnson Dec 9 '11 at 0:29
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