Legal MS Windows XP - Howto?

[tobiz]

How might I obtain a legal version of MS Windows XP for use on Virtualbox? As far as I can tell the only way I can get it is to buy a PC/laptop with Windows pre-installed but then I probably won't get the installation disc (OEM) and hence can't (and aren't allowed to) install in a VBox virtual machine. I only want to run Win XP to run ONE program Apple insist I have to make full use of my iPhone4. I don't really want to pay as much for running this one program as the iPhone cost (being the cost of the PC or Win XP). If there is no way of getting a legal copy of Win XP I can't see VBox is very useful, or am I seriously mistaken here?

[FrodoHobbits]

VBox wont be much use to you without an OS CD, this is not the fault of VBox.
Try your local Computer Shop, they may sale you XP plus a licence or try Ebay.

[tobiz]

I had no intention of criticising VirtualBox, I see no problem with people making whatever they want. What I don't understand at the moment is how to use it, legally. My investigations on ebay/elsewhere suggest: a) most of the OS s/w being offered could not be used with VBox, since it really comes as a pre-installed version, say on an HDD plus a CD, the CD not then possible of being installed in VBox, being a different machine; b) Windows is not offered for self install, only pre-installed when you buy a PC (the pre-install situation is the same as a)). I of course really want a cheap solution to my problem, ie to run iTunes and thought Vbox could be an answer. I've used VMware a long time ago, probably when it first came out and thought I'd try VBox which I have to say, so far seems a pretty slick product - just need to find a way of solving my problem for as small a cost as possible and legally. I fully recognise my problem is nothing to do with VBox it's created my Microsoft and Apple (probably more Apple in this case than MS). If there is a way of using VBox to solve my problem I'd like to know; if not I'll forget the problem and just try VBox to run a non-MS/Apple OS, looks like it could be fun!

[stefan.becker]

There are no other solutions as said.

[mpack]

b) Windows is not offered for self install, only pre-installed when you buy a PC

I'm not sure what you mean by that. Windows (all versions) is very easily and legally available in packaged retail CD/DVD form for self install. Check just about any PC software supplier.

[vbox4me2]

Have a look at IT bankrupts in your local area and who bought the stock by auction, chances are you can get a cd+license for a reasonable prize.