# Lost Windows XP disc, what are my legal options? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 17, 2005, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-windows-xp-disc-what-are-my-legal-options/322086 "2005-09-17T04:09:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ParentalAdvisory](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/53a042/32.png) [@ParentalAdvisory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParentalAdvisory)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2005, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-windows-xp-disc-what-are-my-legal-options/322086/1 "2005-09-17T04:09:09Z")
I’m trying to restore a computer for a friend, but said friend is unable to locate the install/master disc for Windows XP Home. The computer is an HP system bought over a year ago, with the windows key on the case. So what are my options? Certainly Microsoft has a resolution for lost legit copies of Windows without having to buy another license? Disclaimer: Please don’t post/email on how to circumvent the activation of Windows. I’m looking for legal options without having to buy another copy of Windows. ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2005, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-windows-xp-disc-what-are-my-legal-options/322086/2 "2005-09-17T04:21:04Z")
[How to replace lost, broken, or missing Microsoft software or hardware](http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246): > [@](#): > > To replace a CD or Product Key, you must contact PSS. To locate the appropriate phone number for your product, visit the following Microsoft Web site: > [http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;CNTACTMS](http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;CNTACTMS) ---
**Author:** ![ParentalAdvisory](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/53a042/32.png) [@ParentalAdvisory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParentalAdvisory)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2005, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-windows-xp-disc-what-are-my-legal-options/322086/3 "2005-09-17T04:35:33Z")
:smack: Thanks Q.E.D. ---
**Author:** ![MannyL](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba8739/32.png) [@MannyL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MannyL)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2005, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-windows-xp-disc-what-are-my-legal-options/322086/4 "2005-09-17T14:27:13Z")
> [@Q.E.D.](#): > > [How to replace lost, broken, or missing Microsoft software or hardware](http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246): I’d conact HP though because the CD they use is most likley an OEM that has been modified ---
**Author:** ![racer72](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/racer72/32/3075_2.png) [@racer72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racer72)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2005, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-windows-xp-disc-what-are-my-legal-options/322086/5 "2005-09-17T15:41:30Z")
> [@MannyL](#): > > I’d conact HP though because the CD they use is most likley an OEM that has been modified That is correct. I had to install a new hard drive in my daughter’s computer and her XP disc somehow became broken. I had to go through Dell for a replacement, MS said they could not help. Dell came through, they even overnighted the replacement for the $20 replacement fee. ---
**Author:** ![aeropl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f05b48/32.png) [@aeropl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aeropl)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2005, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-windows-xp-disc-what-are-my-legal-options/322086/6 "2005-09-17T20:40:00Z")
Does he have his product key? When I thought I lost my XP CD I called Gateway and they said I would have to use somebody else’s disc to install Windows but use my old key. This is legal as long as you use your own product key. If the product key is lost, he said I would have to buy a new copy of Windows.