Can I use my XP key to download a copy of the os from Microsoft?

Yes you can, make sure the key is for the version of the operating system you download

You can also call microsoft and ask them, some serial numbers are made to work just with specific computers/os`es installed from specific media

Good luck

You can not use your XP Key Codes with any other XP disc. There are two codes or numbers loaded on the computer when you install it. One is the XP Key code itself, the other is an OEM key code number or serial number that relates only to the CD you used.

It is possible that you may have bought a computer with a d: drive recovery partition and using a function key during booting will bring up the menu to reinstall Windows back to the Factory Default Recovery of the way it was shipped. It's difficult to say when people don't mention what brand of computer they have, every one of them use a different function key.

Hi,

I'm not aware of that being an option. However, if you phone Microsoft you can arrange to email them a digital copy of your Licence and they'll send you new disks.

A new set of Vista DVDs cost me NZ $ 56.00 to give you an idea of price. As it happened, that was the quoted price, but after I sent my email with proof of ownership they sent me the replacement DVDs for free.

Regards,

TgTips