Where can I find a Windows 2000 install disk?

M

mct1

Registered User
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Briefly, I use Win2K to run some software that would cost a small fortune to upgrade for XP/Vista. The old computer hard drive died and I've managed to acquire another, but I can't find my Win2K disk anywhere - nor the product key which is also on the defunct hard drive. You can't buy it new now at all. I've tried Ebay, Freecycle etc but no joy. Yet there must be loads of them still out there - filed away but no longer required. Any ideas where else I could try? I'm told this is perfectly legal by the way.
 
mct1 said:
Briefly, I use Win2K to run some software that would cost a small fortune to upgrade for XP/Vista. The old computer hard drive died and I've managed to acquire another, but I can't find my Win2K disk anywhere - nor the product key which is also on the defunct hard drive. You can't buy it new now at all. I've tried Ebay, Freecycle etc but no joy. Yet there must be loads of them still out there - filed away but no longer required. Any ideas where else I could try? I'm told this is perfectly legal by the way.
Click to expand...

I don't think it is legal
 
If you enter "windows 2000 professional download" or "windows 2000 download" into a search engine you might have some luck ...
 
The legality of what you're doing may be questionable.

Most people who suffer hard drive failure ask about retrieving their very valuable information, not the Operating System.

ONQ
 
You cant use someone else's copy as this would be a breach of copyright. You will need to buy a new disc.
 
Of course, there is always the open source alternative.
Ubuntu Linux seems to be the flavour of choice these days.
Its updated on a regular six month cycle and its free of charge.
This is assuming you've backed up your files that were on the disc.
And its assuming those filetypes are compatible with Linux applications.
 
Smashbox said:
You cant use someone else's copy as this would be a breach of copyright. You will need to buy a new disc.
Click to expand...


It's the COA that gives the license, not the disc. It's 100% legal to use any disc once you have a COA.


Op,

If you don't have a COA then you can't install with someone elses disc. If you do then you can.
 
mct1 - what is the damage to the old drive ? It may be salvagable especially if there is no physical damage.
 
when my pc crashed and died last yr had to get new windows xp disc also .i ordered it online for 68e and did it myself.
 
Thanks for the replies everyone. Yesterday, someone on Yahoo Answers suggested trying to run the software in Win2K compatibility mode on XP and that works! Despite the software owners assuring me I would need to buy a 1000 euro upgrade to do this. So whatever the legality of using someone else's Win2K (and I believe I have the moral right since I own a licence key but just can't access it), happily I don't need to now.
 
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