[calmini]

My Dell mini 9 hard drive died so I bought a super-talent 32GB (for mini 9). I have searched everywhere to download windows xp onto a cd/dvd so I can reinstall. I do have an external cd/dvd drive. Could anyone post me step-by-step directions of what to do! I love my mini and don't want to give up. Please help...thanks.

[holmes4]

There is nowhere that is legal from which to download Windows XP.

[Ric]

I'd recommend calling Dell to see if they have a copy for that model. Like Steve said, there are ways, but theyre not legal and cannot be discussed here.

[holmes4]

You could also buy a copy of Windows 7 Home Premium, but without an existing XP to install over, it will cost you more. Or decide to try Linux for free.

[calmini]

Thanks everyone, for the answers. I find it frustrating that I can't download software that was on my computer originally and that I paid for. Guess I'll have to sell my ssd on ebay and dump my mini for a tablet.

[holmes4]

Dell provided you with a restore CD - you lost it. Dell might send you another if you ask.

Microsoft does make Windows 7 available as a download - if you buy it from them. The OEM versions such as XP Home are not provided that way.

[lswartz]

Originally Posted by calmini

Thanks everyone, for the answers. I find it frustrating that I can't download software that was on my computer originally and that I paid for.

Thank you. I had forgotten how frustrating it was to look for the CD's. After 2 years I couldn't tell you where my Mini 9 CD is or you could have it (it was probably Linux & not XP). I'll never need it as I can download or just upgrade online.

[ScottLott]

You can search eBay for Windows XP CDs that don't come with a COA(Certificate of Authenticity). These are just CD-ROM installations for windows XP that don't include a serial number, and the serial number represents most of the cost of buying a Windows disc, so a disc without the COA is going to be cheap: (You should have a windows serial number on the underside of your PC)

Windows XP Professional with SP2 Reinstallation CD Disk - eBay (item 200592564359 end time Apr-04-11 13:09:15 PDT)

http://cgi.ebay.com/Windows-XP-Profe...2#ht_500wt_949

[holmes4]

However, the serial number will work only with a specific type of the XP CD - one sold to OEMs (such as Dell). You can't just take any XP CD and use that serial number with it. The Dell restore CDs don't prompt for a serial number.

[red97tj]

you just need to get the same xp disk, i.e. xp home or xp pro, as your sticker on the back of the mini. i'm assuming it's the same as other dell computers. i've done plenty of dell restores w/ xp pro & home w/ the "correct" xp disk.
i feel it's not really illegal to download the xp program itself...it's the serial number that makes it legal, which i have paid for already.
just google xp... torrent & there'll be plenty of places to download.
good luck