where can i buy windows xp?

[MovingIn07]

i just got a new mac. while i like it already, i will need to run windows inside it to run some of my old stuff that is not mac-compatible ... but... where can I get a copy of xp to load into my parallel world? I never got the discs that came with my xp laptop (corporately provided and installed, as I am trying to hide from IT policies on the new mac, not keen to talk to IT!) and I have been searching on the internet but cannot find anything legal.... I can download a beta version of windows 7 but i suspect that it's not what I need for old software with my limited technical expertise!

So - any ideas? I really want SP2 not SP3 as I think SP3 is one of the factors causing me headaches on the laptop.....

[shri]

Almost any shop that builds computers in the various computer centers will have OEM versions of XP - Home and Professional. Not too sure if they have SP2 discs (used to be possible about six months ago when I got my last XP OEM).

You might need an SP3 disc as there are some issues with SP2 booting on new hardware. Check the various forums

[jaykay]

Mac needs at least SP2 to run. Better with SP3 if you can. I doubt the problems M07 experienced before were to do with SP3, certainly the issues she mentioned before, using Firefox, are ones I have not experienced using Firefox on either SP3 or Mac.

XP was never officially available online - an issue many people run into after some manufacturers stopped providing a re-installation CD, instead having a re-installation program on the HDD - great until the HDD turns it's toes up.

As Shri mentioned you should be able to get an OEM disk in Wanchai or SSP. Best and cheapest way!

[MovingIn07]

I found one in Wanchai - I think it was abit over the top on price though (850) compared with the US resellers who seem to be selling for about USD70. Oh well, such is life. Installed now. My polar software seems very unhappy - keeps crashing - have not tried loading anything else up yet!

[shri]

850 for home or professional?

[MovingIn07]

850 for home or professional?

home - i didnt know the difference though - is it an issue?

[L-X]

I think home is is more than enough for home-use. Professional just has a lot more networking components built in, which aren't really necessary unless you plan to use it for business connectivity.

[MovingIn07]

I think home is is more than enough for home-use. Professional just has a lot more networking components built in, which aren't really necessary unless you plan to use it for business connectivity.

Ah. I might actually ...... depends if I need to try and connect to the office network or not! I'll ponder that one. I guess if I need to connect to the office then IT will have to give me a copy of XP ... and if I do that then they will give me a pile of other headaches too .... hard to know what the right course of action is!

[atique]

Mac needs at least SP2 to run. Better with SP3 if you can. I doubt the problems M07 experienced before were to do with SP3, certainly the issues she mentioned before, using Firefox, are ones I have not experienced using Firefox on either SP3 or Mac.

XP was never officially available online - an issue many people run into after some manufacturers stopped providing a re-installation CD, instead having a re-installation program on the HDD - great until the HDD turns it's toes up.

As Shri mentioned you should be able to get an OEM disk in Wanchai or SSP. Best and cheapest way!

may be I am wrong but can't one just slipstream the ServicePack with the normal normal version? It needs extra work though. Also with retail CD it i possible and I have done it but OEM CD I am not sure.