Help. Buy a copy of XP or a new laptop?

eatwell365 on 07/01/2014 - 02:19

My little one uses a Samsung N150 laptop to do Mathletics online.
The Operating System (WinXP SP2) was playing up, so i formated the hard disk thinking of reinstalling the operating system. Unfortunately, only to find out at the very end of reinstallation that the original Win XP SP2 disk was scratched and process cannot be completed (can't read some files).

Now is the dilemma -

  1. I cannot find another copy of Windows XP in any store. Found in ebay but cost around $100 for an original. perhaps I do not know where to buy.
  2. $200 to $300 may be able to replace the current low end laptop with a new one.
  3. Installed Linux but printer driver is not compatible.
  4. Try Virtual Box in Linux with free Window XP, but the laptop is not powerful and runs short of memories.

If this happens to you, would you buy a new laptop or try to save the laptop by reinstalling an OS? How?

Much appreciated with any of your advice.

Many thanks.

Computing

Comments

  • ozhunter on 07/01/2014 - 03:54
    +5

    If you still have the windows cd key you should be able to download the Windows XP iso file and just burn it to a dvd. I can't find any links apart from torrents. I'm quite sure it is legal as long as you have a genuine cd key though no sure way to tell if the xp file has been modified.

  • ProspectiveDarkness on 07/01/2014 - 04:16
    +9

    If the base problem is that your Windows installation CD can't be read, then you can just download the completely legitimate disc image from Microsoft (Link). You'll still need your product key, of course, but I imagine that's on a sticker on the bottom of the laptop.

    If that didn't work, for one reason or another:

    1. IMO, upgrading the OS is unfeasible. I wouldn't trust a random from eBay with a decade old CD key (or the activation process on MS's end, for that matter), and it's really not worth spending that much money to 'save' an old, already low end notebook. The machine doesn't have much RAM at all, so trying to run Windows 7 or 8 probably won't end well. You could torrent a cracked version of XP, but that brings up a whole host of potential problems. Add to all that, that Microsoft is (or has, can't remember the date) ending[ed] official support for XP, it probably wouldn't be the greatest thing in the world to stick with it. Security vulnerabilities and whatnot. Overall, it's much safer to use anything but XP.

    2. This. I'd probably just buy a new one - though I don't know how much $200 - $300 means to you. At that price range, there's a fair chance a Chromebook will perform better than any Windows netbook, but I don't know if it suits your needs. If it were me, I'd stretch to the $500 mark and see where that gets me (after a cursory look, it seems JB Hi Fi has quite a few models at this price). But again, I don't know how viable this is, financially.

    3. I wouldn't bother with all this, personally. From personal experience, you end up pouring more time and effort (and perhaps money, if you were to upgrade the RAM) than a low-end notebook is worth.

    In the end, I'd probably look at getting a new notebook - particularly a Chromebook, if it meets your requirements (Link).

    Edit: beaten by ozhunter. That's what I get for dilly-dallying whilst writing a post.

    • ozhunter on 07/01/2014 - 04:35
      +1

      then you can just download the completely legitimate disc image from Microsoft (Link).

      I saw that link, but isn't that just the Service Pack 3, not including Windows XP?

    • eatwell365 on 07/01/2014 - 04:52

      Had a look at the Chromebook. Like it, but cannot install program eg. etax for tax return. Thank you Ozbargain, now I have a Window Surface but cannot print as my Fuji Xerox printer is not compatible. Any suggestion for new monolaser printer that can support Linux as well as wifi for surface rt.

      • easternbluecut on 07/01/2014 - 08:17

        I have a Brother HL-2135W which works a treat and according to a Google Linux search is fully compatible with Linux. Currently $79 at Officeworks and The Good Guys although staticice also has cheaper prices which you could probably pricematch depending on where you are located.

        • Candour on 07/01/2014 - 10:51

          pl remove post

  • Geewhizz on 07/01/2014 - 07:56

    A few years ago hubby discovered too late that the backup windows on his then new XP desktop system was corrupt, so called the local tech shop who was kind enough to write him an install disc for $5. He still had to go through the rigmarole of finding drivers etc for himself, but that was easy enough.

    It might be worth asking around your local computer repair shops to see if they can (or rather, will) do the same for you. You're not buying a license, so it shouldn't be too expensive.

  • srhardy on 07/01/2014 - 08:48
    +1

    If your laptop works then here are some choices

    torrent xp for your laptop, so look for a dell, acer, asus ect version of xp, then it will install with the bios serial (google piratebay)

    blackxp with latest service packs and addons, slimied of crapware from MS, also on PB

    next, think LINUX… it installs as easy as xp now, depending on desktop it can even look the same as its not only bullet proof, runs great on older hardware but the apps are almost all free < LOVE THIS OPTION http://distrowatch.com/

    my pic is http://www.linuxmint.com/download.php (install it and give it a go before going XP, if you dont like just reformat and install xp) prob want the 32bit version unless you know your CPU does 64bit instructions but its no big deal to go 32bit anyway

    • eatwell365 on 07/01/2014 - 11:38
      +1

      thanks srhardy. installed linux, like it. only laptop cannot print because Fuji Xerox printer does not have a Linux driver according to FX support site. so will need a new printer.

  • fruitbat on 07/01/2014 - 10:06
    +11

    I would buy a new laptop. However, if you don't want to spend the dollars and are happy with what you have, I have a licensed copy of Windows XP professional, in it's original box along with the key and waffle (installation booklet etc) that you can have for the cost of the postage. (post should be about $7)

    I don't need it as the desktop it was used for died and (like your laptop) wasn't worth fixing so I bought a new one that already has Windows 7 on it.

    Happy to have you PM me if you are interested and can wait for it to arrive in the post.

    Is this a "bargain"? Hope so!

    I would have PM'd you but I can't as I've just joined to post this….been lurking for the past 3 years though!

    • ode1online on 08/01/2014 - 12:27
      +1

      Great offer, well done Fruitbat..
      Funny I kept my XP discs but threw away VISTA ..I wonder why lol

      • fruitbat on 12/01/2014 - 16:06

        Hahaha. Probably the same reason I dumped "Windows Me" within 2 days of bringing home a new PC. They should have called it "Windows Meh".

        • retiredfeline on 12/01/2014 - 16:52

          Reminds me of Windows CEMENT

        • fruitbat on 12/01/2014 - 22:49

          True. Windows CEment got stuck into lots of little devices though. Windows Meh never went anywhere, except the round filing cabinet.

  • humdingaling on 07/01/2014 - 10:24
    +1

    if you are going to fork out money for OS i would not buy XP

    MS is ending support for XP very soon
    http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/enterprise/endofsuppo…

    • battler on 07/01/2014 - 10:41
      +2

      meh, computer will not drop dead when support runs out.
      previous commenter has offered a $7 solution - gets the OP out of trouble for now.
      given OP says 'little one' and is doing mathletics, I'm guessing OP has early primary school age child and could need to buy a new computer in a few years as child progresses thru education system.
      $7 solution now allows a better/newer computer to be purchased down the track.

      • humdingaling on 07/01/2014 - 11:11

        wasn't replying specifically to the above post…more the spending 100 on ebay

        i would never buy any os off ebay
        the fakes are rampant

      • eatwell365 on 07/01/2014 - 11:44

        Thank you battler. I also had an earlier version Windows XP. Installed successfully but cannot detect wifi - pnly dial in or ethernet at the time. Since this version (pre SP) runs out of support. Microsoft does not provide update download to SP. Hence, become useless. Think I will take up the $7 solution.

  • Candour on 07/01/2014 - 10:51
    +1

    there isa $200 acer on OB on sale now at apost?

    • eatwell365 on 07/01/2014 - 11:47

      Thanks Peccadilloes. Went to 2 local Australia Post this morning. Asked staff. None of them have laptop in stock - run out. There is a $399 HP on special in the catalogue.

  • WT on 07/01/2014 - 12:13

    I downloaded XP, it was from a torrent or from MS. I wouldn't buy it or spend anything more then a few $$ for it, but on older systems its fine

  • Geekomatic on 08/01/2014 - 00:06
    +1

    Peccadilloes 13 hours 13 min ago new

    there isa $200 acer on OB on sale now at apost?

    I just got one today. Read the post & see if you're lucky enough to score one tomorrow.

    Cheers

  • Sirocco on 08/01/2014 - 09:49

    If you already legally own the disc but its damaged… just torrent the iso from piratebay… and use your cdkey

    • eatwell365 on 08/01/2014 - 10:17

      thank you. is it safe to use torrent? i am torrentphobic due to what i hear about getting virus and the graphic XXX ad in front of kid, ie never use it.

      • retiredfeline on 08/01/2014 - 10:22

        It's not torrent itself that's dangerous; torrent is a legit means of delivering files, but the people who put on the files; you don't know if the files are what they claim to be if the provenance is not clear. Normally it's possible to doublecheck a file from its hash checksum, but in cases of copied files, there may not be an official checksum to compare against.

        Take fruitbat's $7 offer. If you were in my area, I'd be happy to make a copy of the distro CD for you, as that's generic and the licensing is conferred by the key.

        You may need to download drivers that are specific to your computer afterwards. And also apply any updates to bring it up to SP3. The CD image for that is publicly available.

      • misu p on 08/01/2014 - 10:23

        Torrent is my preferred method of choice to download a lot of things. I usually get my Linux distros with Torrents. Torrents are no more, no less dangerous than downloading anything else. They bring files from the internet to your computer.

        Now the question is not if you should trust torrents, it is if you should trust the origin of the file. Usually the response is no.

      • msmhw on 08/01/2014 - 10:28

        Some times there are xxx ads but if you have adblock most likely you will be save.
        To be in the save side dont download it front of the kids

  • eatwell365 on 08/01/2014 - 10:19
    +5

    BTW.my matter shall now be sorted with the help of fellow ozbargainer fruitbat. thank you everyone for your ideas.

    • misu p on 08/01/2014 - 10:26

      Stick to Linux :). For browsing , writing some office documents (basically what a normal user does) you cannot find anything better or faster.

      Now there is the matter of the printer driver :) welcome to the terrible world of Linux drivers. It usually either works out of the box (and a lot do) or it is cheaper to buy a new computer / printer then to spend time to fix it.

      • Sick of This on 15/01/2014 - 08:39

        Your second paragraph kind of undoes your first sentence. So "stick to linux", unless you want printing, which he does.

  • freakitude on 08/01/2014 - 11:09

    reddit.com/r/softwareswap good place to look for cheap keys.

  • pumpkinspice on 08/01/2014 - 13:33

    Does the laptop have a recovery partition?
    I had to restore one of our old laptops to Vista before we sold it, but we had no recovery discs for Vista. I found a tool to build a recovery disc from the recovery partition. I just can't remember what the name of the tool was.

    I suppose $7 for the disc off fruitbat is probably easier, lol.

    • eatwell365 on 08/01/2014 - 22:55

      yes, the samsung laptop has the recovery partition built in. however, i was so confident at the time of reinstallation that I had the XP CD, so I format the whole drive including the recovery partition. only to find out the CD was not fully readible at the end.

  • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2014 - 14:10
    +1

    Have a go at this. Normally Microsoft use digital river to host their .iso files which are legally downloadable if you have a license but they didn't have XP (probably because they don't sell it). Don't know if it will work with anything other than SP3.
    http://forums.mydigitallife.info/threads/25580-Windows-XP-Pr…

    Of course failing that I would just download a torrent and hash check the .iso to ensure it is original and unmodified (which could add stuff like viruses).

  • hippies on 08/01/2014 - 14:29
    +1

    or you can pass it to me and i can do it for free :)

    • Sick of This on 15/01/2014 - 08:43

      Nice of you to offer, but it'd probably cost him more than $7 to get the computer to you and back. Fruitbat's solution is the go.

  • fruitbat on 08/01/2014 - 15:06
    +9

    Solved! I've sent my licensed/original XP Pro with SP2, in it's original box along with the key (on the box and written on the CD - bad habit of mine) to eatwell365 this morning. $6.95…Aussie Post have put their small parcel price up…again.

    • scrimshaw on 08/01/2014 - 16:54

      Good guy fruit bat
      (insert Greg here)
      Helps ozbargainer in need.

  • fruitbat on 08/01/2014 - 17:05
    +1

    Aw gee, thanks! Not sure who "Greg" is though :) It's "erikthefruitbat" - Now I think of it, I've been called Eric, Harry, Terry, Gerry and Henry on the phone….guess I might need a new one. Better look for a good one cheap here somewhere!

  • fruitbat on 08/01/2014 - 21:48
    +2

    "Greg" seems like the sort of bloke that we should all be! Reckon he'd make a good Ozbargainer too!
    Nice. I must get out more….or surf the net more. This farming stuff is hard yakka and not as much fun!

  • Geewhizz on 10/01/2014 - 09:16
    +2

    Eatwell, when Fruitbat's disc turns up, if you still use your original license number instead of his, you'll still have it to pass on to someone else who might be in a fix.

  • eatwell365 on 15/01/2014 - 08:13
    +2

    Fruitbat saved my day. To finish up the story, my laptop is now reinstalled and as good as new. Few points to share with fellow ozbargainers when installing old laptop with XP. 1. Microsoft will retire XP on April 2014. 2. Read this link. A solution to an issue you will run into. Took me 2 days to locate this. http://www.geekallday.com/windows-xp-sp3-update-issues/. Cheers.

    • Sick of This on 15/01/2014 - 08:49
      +1

      Great to hear your little one's back to enumerating and calculating again.

      Kudos to fruitbat for saving the day!

    • battler on 15/01/2014 - 09:15
      +1

      That is a handy link.
      I've done a couple of xp installs lately and found the CPU 100% issue. I didn't care too much for all the latest patches so took the easy option and just disabled the Windows Update service.

    • retiredfeline on 15/01/2014 - 09:28
      +1

      Thanks for that useful link. I also hit the 100% CPU issue and turned off automatic updates. I was wondering why manual updates were taking so long to check. Now I know. Ah, MS never fails to disappoint.

  • srhardy on 16/01/2014 - 22:25
    +1

    Hey eatwell365 glad you got XP up and going and ive had huge issues with SP3 and the problems solved in your link so thumbs up for sharing with others!

    i (still) recommend LINUX over XP, its more stable, secure and has ongoing support as well as just plain and simple MORE FUN to use and fiddle with but you can EASILY dual boot and install LINUX (distro of your choice) as they all will do the dual boot setup and support… Then you can TRY and migrate as you feel comfortable or just enjoy the better OS alternative. Once you install your distro of choice install ALT desktop (gnome, kde, xfce) as the are all 'skins' or desktops for the same underlying apps and functionality and experiment customising and trying alt apps the the ones MS give you…

    Its also handy when XP inevitable screws up and is compromised with malware and virus's…

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