How to find a proper ISO file

[Perryg]

That and a hundred plus for a piece of software that is no longer supported kinds of makes one wonder.

[loukingjr]

You can actually buy a used PC with XP SP3 installed for less than what some are asking for XP SP1 by itself.

[mpack]

You should avoid upgrade editions. Those often have problems being installed in a blank VM because the installer expects to see an earlier version of the same product which you intend to upgrade from. What you want is a full retail edition on an original hologrammed CD, with CD-key sticker. Generic OEM editions will probably work as well - don't go for branded OEM editions (Dell, HP etc), as they may not work on other hardware.

Would something like this work:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Microsoft-Windo ... 1187778588

Yes, that looks like full retail, so it should work.

As to whether it's supported or not, I keep asking how I can tell the difference, but nobody can answer...

I would prefer if it said SP2 (not SP3).

[F-Zero_Sam]

you should try and find a full install with SP2 or SP3. Microsoft may still have updates available but it takes a long time to fully update a SP1 version.

Okay. And how do I know that the OEM CD that I'm purchasing will run properly as a VM? What indicators should I look for to make sure it will work (other than not buying a CD for a Dell PC)?

Is the following NOT a full retail:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Windows-XP-Home ... 1352750036

[loukingjr]

when did this become a which copy of Windows XP should I buy forum?

[F-Zero_Sam]

when did this become a which copy of Windows XP should I buy forum?

I don't know. I guess I've given up searching for a free ISO download, and want to use a physical CD instead. But judging from the posts so far, the physical CD has to be very specific. So let me ask:

Is "Full Version" the same thing as "Full Retail"? And, as long as the original product key is included, does it matter if the box is opened? How do I know if a product key from an already-opened box can be reused (assuming the seller did not deactivate it from his computer before putting up the used installation software up for sale)?

[mpack]

Is the following NOT a full retail:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Windows-XP-Home ... 1352750036

XP Service Pack 3 came out long into the Vista era; XP was no longer available from retail outlets, so full retail XP with SP3 is a contradiction in terms. Another dodgy thing about that listing is that he shows three different varieties of XP install disk, the first of which says 2002 edition, so clearly can't include SP3 in that packaging. The third picture doesn't even show a setup cd, instead it shows a recovery CD. The big laugh is that he says "factory sealed"... oh yeah right, but which factory?

I suspect these are just generic images (in fact the text below the pictures says so), and if you bought from this guy I'm quite sure that what would turn up is a data cd with a lightscribed label. I.e. a stolen copy of an OEM disk. Whether it would activate or not is a big question.

I suggest you look for a reputable dealer to buy from. Or a friend who has a copy of XP he/she no longer wants.

[loukingjr]

from what I've seen since this thread started, some people are selling XP SP2 but including disks with SP3 on them. Others are selling them with SP3 pre-installed which can't be legit. what I find interesting is ebay's policy on selling OEM versions. they send you a broken hard drive with any OEM XP purchase.

[mpack]

I'm surprised eBay has any policy on OEM versions. That's really a marketing policy from Microsoft, not a legal problem for eBay. Also, I can't speak about the rest of the world, but in Europe someone who has bought hardware with a bundled OEM OS is perfectly entitled to sell off what was bought, in whole or in part. This was decided in a legal test case a few years back, so there's no need for subterfuge when selling off the OEM XP. That's another reason why I'd find any such eBay policy surprising: it would put them on the wrong side of the law. And it's not like eBay depends on Microsoft goodwill.

[loukingjr]

well here's what they have to say about it...

Original equipment manufacturer (OEM), bundled, or recovery software, is included with the purchase of new computer hardware. It is eBay policy that sellers can't list these types of software unless they are selling it with the original hardware.
To comply with eBay policy, OEM software must accompany the necessary hardware as described above, and the hardware must be specific and clearly stated in the listing.

Restricted: OEM, bundled, or recovery software may be listed only if it is included along with the original hardware, such as the motherboard, hard drive, or computer sold with the OEM software.
Utility software and drivers bundled with peripheral devices, such as a printer or scanner, may be listed only if it is included along with the original peripheral device.

Not Allowed: OEM, bundled, or recovery software being listed as a stand-alone item

edit: along with this...

eBay is always looking for ways to improve the buyer and seller experience. We urge our members to comply with all government laws and regulations. This policy helps protect buyers from purchasing unauthorized merchandise, and it helps intellectual property rights owners protect their rights.

[F-Zero_Sam]

I suggest you look for a reputable dealer to buy from. Or a friend who has a copy of XP he/she no longer wants.

If Microsoft no longer supports Windows XP, who am I supposed to turn to for a legit copy? I don't know anybody who keeps a 10-year-old Windows XP disk in their junk drawers, either.

Also, does it matter if the box is opened as long as the original product key is included? If not, would this one be legit:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MICROSOFT-WINDO ... 2c8470a694

[dlharper]

Microsoft's finishing of support for Windows XP has nothing whatever to do with sales, nor with licensing. It means they are no longer working on new updates for it, in particular there will be no new security updates, but everything else (activation, downloads of existing updates, etc) remains as it has been, and there is no suggestion that these will change. Microsoft has not been distributing Windows XP for quite a long time now, and anyone who has been selling copies of it over the last few years has been selling off old stock.

[mpack]

If I was you I would snap that one up, after confirming that it comes with a CD KEY - the only thing not mentioned in the listing. Otherwise the picture matches what I'd expect of a 10 year old of XP retail copy, and the dealer has 100% feedback on a decent number of sales.

btw. I don't intend to keep acting as an eBay filter for you. I've commented on three listings now, that should be enough for you to work out your own guidelines.

[Palarnik]

well there is a lot of iso's on winworldpc and if you are looking for windows iso's there's a lot of them in: pcriver.com/category/operating-systems/

[socratis]

Most of the times the problem isn't getting a hold of a CD, as much as getting a license.