Finding a copy of Windows XP

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Joined: 18 Apr 2014
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07 Oct 2016, 6:17 pm

How do I find an actual copy of Windows XP, or any legacy Windows OS for running older games and software on a virtual machine? Is my only option to find it on the Gray market?

Eurythmic
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08 Oct 2016, 1:19 am

Abandonware is your friend. There's thousands of copies of operating systems out there no longer used, often they end up being thrown out along with the hardware. I've got copies from XP going all the way back to Win 3.1 and DOS 5 and 6. Drop me a message if you want a particular version and I'll post one out to you.

steve30
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08 Oct 2016, 7:45 am

You may be able to find a copy for sale on eBay (if you want a legitimate copy). I've had old Windows CDs off eBay before.

If you're not fussed about whether its legal or not, you could probably find a copy on an FTP server, or Hotline server, or P2P network, if you know where to look.

Eurythmic
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10 Oct 2016, 3:56 am

The copies I've got are all genuine original disks, I've grabbed and held on to them when they were going to be thrown out, usually along with the hardware they were installed on. The older ones are on 3.5" floppies. They're of no use to me and I'm happy to give them away to people who are going to use them.

dcj123
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11 Oct 2016, 6:26 pm

+1 ebay,

I also think Linux might be an option,

So long as you avoid newer games, most older games run fine with wine and then you have dosbox for even older stuff. There isn't much of a reason to run an older version of Windows really.

saxgeek
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11 Oct 2016, 11:46 pm

Heh, I still use XP every day as my main OS.

charlesarnot
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12 Oct 2016, 9:02 pm

I'm very sorry to say that you can't find Windows XP versions today. Microsoft has been stopped the production and it is not available right now.

starkid
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13 Oct 2016, 5:56 pm

Try thrift shops.

Pieplup
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07 Nov 2016, 12:01 pm

Start a collection of redistributable versions of Windows!

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Eurythmic
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09 Nov 2016, 12:33 am

Pieplup wrote:

Start a collection of redistributable versions of Windows!

That's what I've done with lots of software and some small pieces of hardware. I only keep software that is the genuine original item and therefore legal. They're all saved from going in the bin and I'm quite happy giving them away to anyone who wants them and has a use for them. I've lost count of the amount of software and networking devices like modems and routers that have nothing wrong with them I've been able to give away.

AngryAngryAngry
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12 Dec 2016, 4:10 am

I can provide an XP serial code if you need it.

Pieplup
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14 Dec 2016, 11:59 am

I need 7, 8, or 8.1. windows 10 sucks. I don't care what market. :lol. Blue Red Orange grey yellow pink white black. :lmao: