Since its release in 2001, several newer iterations have succeeded it, all of which have introduced newer features and better security.

Tim Fisher has 30 years professional technology support experience.

He writes troubleshooting content and is the General Manager of Lifewire.

Chris Selph is a CompTIA-certified technology and vocational IT teacher.

Where Can You Get Osx Install Windows XP

If you need to install Windows XP but youve lost your original XP Setup CD, downloading Windows XP is tricky, since its no longer available from Microsoft.

There are many places online to download Windows XP, but there probably arent any legal sources.

Windows XP is not distributed online so there isnt a legitimate way to get a Windows XP download, even from Microsoft.

The only guaranteed legal course of action when you need a copy of Windows XP is to buy one.

Where Can You Get Osx Free Windows XP

An important downside to a free Windows XP download is that its too easy for it to include malware or other unwanted software bundled in with the operating system.

On that note, if you manage to get a hold of a Windows XP ISO, it would need valid license information in order to activate the software, and most OS downloads come with crackers and keygens that attempt to authenticate the software illegally, which you should avoid.

Even if you did download Windows XP, what you would get is an image of the Windows XP Setup CD.

For example, you would probably download an XP ISO file like windows-xp-pro.iso, or something like that.

You would then burn that ISO image to a CD that you would then use to install Windows XP.

In many ways, what you actually pay for when you legally purchase a copy of Windows XP is the product key (sometimes referred to as a CD key or key code, or incorrectly as the serial number ).

This unique number is required during the installation of Windows XP.

If you do have your Windows XP product key but youre missing your Windows XP CD, you could argue that, since you did actually purchase XP and you have a valid product key and should be able to legally download a Windows XP CD image from anywhere.

At this time, the only legal way of obtaining a Windows XP CD is from a legal purchase of the operating system.

Contact Microsoft for a replacement Windows XP Setup CD, assuming you can show proof of purchase.

If you own a major-brand computer, you could also have luck contacting them directly for a replacement Windows XP disc or restore disc.

Another way to get a copy of Windows XP is to purchase it online.

You can order Windows XP on Amazon from limited third-party sellers, and possibly other websites that offer older software, such as eBay.

See How to Find the Windows XP Product Key for help doing that.

Where Can You Get Osx For Free