How to get my Windows XP from my dead IBM
I have an IBM NetVista machine that has died. I have purchased a spankin' new Mac Mini to replace it (by running Boot Camp or Parallels Desktop, haven't decided which yet)
The problem is, the IBM has the Windows XP OS installed, with a little sticker on the side with the product key. I have no disks. I never burned copies or recovery disks or whatever, I rather have avoided learning all I ought to have known about Windows (and am paying the price now!)
I called IBM, the machine is out of warranty (it's about 4 years old) and they would SELL me a "recovery disk", but I would have to get the PC fixed and running! I cannot seem to get to a place that I can even ask Microsoft for help without likewise paying $$$ (they say I should talk to my computer's manufacturer)
This must happen all the time!! How can I get a Windows disk without having to buy a new one? I have the old one, it's on my dead machine, I have the product key......don't I technically still own a copy??
thanks for listening to my whining!
The problem is, the IBM has the Windows XP OS installed, with a little sticker on the side with the product key. I have no disks. I never burned copies or recovery disks or whatever, I rather have avoided learning all I ought to have known about Windows (and am paying the price now!)
I called IBM, the machine is out of warranty (it's about 4 years old) and they would SELL me a "recovery disk", but I would have to get the PC fixed and running! I cannot seem to get to a place that I can even ask Microsoft for help without likewise paying $$$ (they say I should talk to my computer's manufacturer)
This must happen all the time!! How can I get a Windows disk without having to buy a new one? I have the old one, it's on my dead machine, I have the product key......don't I technically still own a copy??
thanks for listening to my whining!
Dual 450MHz G4, powerbook 1.5GHz, Mac Mini core Duo, Mac OS X (10.4.7), Airport Extreme, AEX
