anyone know where or how to get free legit copies of XP and Vista?

bugzy3188

I'm setting up a home lab and would like to have both OS's, do you still have to pay for these since 7 & 8 are out, or is there somewhere that I can get my hands on evaluation copies?

Slowhand

Right now, Microsoft only offers trials of their current-release software. Both Vista and XP are available through TechNet and MSDN subscriptions while they're still being supported by Microsoft, but they're not being sold anywhere.

You may, however, still be able to get evaluation software with book-purchases. I know that the MS Press book for the Windows XP (70-270) exam comes with an XP Professional trial, but I don't know if there are any books that come with a trial of Vista.

Devilsbane

Free and Legit don't really go in the same sentence. Like Slowhand said, there are trials available. MSDNAA might be available if your school is a subscriber and TechNet could get you them but that isn't really free since you are paying for the subscription.

If you're looking for a cheap lab, books often come bundled with 90 or 180 day trials which can usually be extended 3 times. ($30 book just for the CD is still far better than buying a retail copy or something)

nerdydad

I used to use a vm image that I found on nist.gov website, they have one for xp and vista, they expire, but you can just reload. I'm sure you can find them on Google.

cyberguypr

Crap, I was going to suggest Download: IE App Compat VHD but the XP VHD just expired a few days ago.

universalfrost

for vista you can go to this website Windows Vista Direct Download Links

and he still has the legit links directly from the MS online distributor (digitalriver).

if you want vista or xp "hard copies" i would point you to eBay. they are basically only a few bucks for XP and not much more for vista.