I purchased a Dell computer with Microsoft XP Pro. I am not able to find my disk that was shipped with the computer. [I am not 100% sure that the actual disk was even shipped with the computer.] Specifically: I need a REPLACEMENT "Windows XP Professional Service Pack 1 CD" When I asked Dell for a replacement disk, they told me that I needed to PURCHASE a totally new disk (about $200). What is the procedure to get a "Windows XP Professional Service Pack 1 CD" without the $200 charge. Who do I need to contact? What url, e-mail, or telephone number do I need to contact. (I am having trouble contacting the correct person at Dell or Microsoft) What information do I need to provide. Thanks for your help. MarvR

Try 1-800-MSPRESS

I called Microsoft and got a replacement XP Pro CD for $30. I had to supply the Product Key from the original Retail CD. I got the impression that they only replaced retail CDs. If I had a OEM product I am sure that they would have told me I had to obtain a replacement from the OEM (Dell, HP. etc.) --------------------------- How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=326246 Replacement of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Software Media To replace OEM software media, you must contact the OEM where you acquired the hardware and software. If that OEM is no longer in business, you can contact Microsoft Sales Information at (800) 426-9400 for more information about alternatives for acquiring genuine software. To determine whether your software is eligible for replacement, you can call the OEM System Builder hotline at (800) 325-1233 Monday - Friday, 5:30 AM - 5:00 P.M. Pacific time zone.

Why you would be contacting Microsoft about getting a replacement, I have no idea. They have absolutely nothing to do with this. This matter is between you and Dell. If it was supposed to ship with one and didn't, I can't imagine them charging you for a replacement. I can't even see that as being legal. I imagine it would be pretty hard to prove that you didn't get one, as I can only assume they check and double check to make sure all the "parts" are in the box before shipping, but I'm sure they do mess up on occassion. If you had it and misplaced it, that's another thing all together. That's not Dell's problem at all, and they are correct in saying that you'll have to purchase a new disk.

Most Dell machines are shipped with a licence sticker/badge somewhere on the case. If yours has one then you only need replacement media not a new licence and therefore you should only be charged a nominal fee for the disk and postage.

Thanks everyone for your input. I received a response from Dell and a promise of a replacement Disk. MarvR

-Bryan- "Why you would be contacting Microsoft about getting a replacement, I have no idea."......In case you don't know OEM's have anti-piracy agreement with microsoft, this being the reason for the cd replacement grace period usually 30days after equipment delivery. Once this grace period is over MICROSOFT decides your fate, a lot of people do not know this so when turned down by their OEM, they go out and purchase a new CD. Microsoft has and will continue to make a staggering amount of dough because of this misconception because it not only applies to OS cd's but to other microsoft titles too. Also OEM's do not have a printing press where the have stacks of Windows CD's waiting for consumers that is the reason why if you contact Gateway,Dell,HP...to purchase OS cd you will be sold the retail version. Dean is somewhat correct the cd is really not the issue, it is the Product Key and that is the reason microsoft verifies this when you call for a replacement, another thing is that more than 98% of the time OS cd's are misplaced by PC owners, not the OEM because there are procedures and checks done by different departments before PC's roll out from OEM's but things slip through the crack sometimes. Lastly Microsoft gets less than 5% of support calls from Windows users and of that <5% OEM's get almost 75% of them even from retail OS owners and some whom are out of support warranty from the OEM this is simply because it is a lot easier and simpler to go through OEM's phone tree and get someone than it is to call Microsoft for simple inquiries or even fee-based support calls.