Thread: I desperately need help

Here's the problem:

My friend just recently got a computer form a neighbor, never used.

The problem is that there isn't any OS installed on it.

It's supposed to have windows XP Home Edition installed.

We don't have a boot disc, and we can buy a new one, we have no money.

Here's my question: there is a serial key for the computer on the back, along with an activation key for the OS.

Could we somehow contact Microsoft with the activation key to get a new boot disc for free?

Forgive me if I'm being a bit naive, but it's just common sense that you have a computer with an activation key on the back, you should be able to just get a new boot disc.

Thanks for any answers anyone has, and please don't flame, it's a legitemate problem/question.

MS is not going to give away anything for free unless a court orders them to.
If the sticker specifically says "Windows XP Home Edition" on it then you should be able to download a copy of it off the internet, burn it and install it using your legit serial key and activation #.

Downloading software in it self is not illegal, using cracks, keygens or pirated serial numbers to activate it makes it illegal.