Windows XP forum: Reinstallation Options When XP is Preinstalled?

Hey everyone! I bought a computer years ago that had Windows XP Home preinstalled and of course, it didn't come with a Windows Setup CD. I'm finally at the point where I'd like to do a fresh install. I searched these forums as well as some other places on the net and the only answer I keep seeing is that there's nothing people can do who have it preinstalled other than just buying another copy of the OS or using a friend's CD to install and then just putting in your own license information.

Neither is an option for me. I can't afford to pay my $6 cab fare let alone $100 or more on an OS I already own and everyone I know has Vista (and most of them have their OS preinstalled as well anyway).

I came across a website that stated there was a way to create a setup disk using the files already on your system if XP came preinstalled, but since it said it wasn't guaranteed to work all the time, I didn't risk it.

Is there a way to get a free copy of the setup disk, maybe one that's already been used, directly from Microsoft if you can provide proof that you already own a legitimate copy of the OS so you can just use it for the installation part and put in your own license info? If not through Microsoft, what about from the manufacturer, have you known any of them to give you an option like that where they can send you a "dummy disc" or something just so you can reinstall? My PC was made by Systemax.

I'm sure I'll probably just get the same answer, that I have to buy or borrow, but I figured I'd ask anyway. It kind of sucks that with all the systems being sold today with an OS preinstalled WITHOUT including the CD that they don't have some kind of reinstallation alternative, like something built into the OS itself that allows you to create a setup CD (just like how you can create a boot disk) unique to your particular license.

Or maybe companies should just stop selling OS preinstalled without giving you a darn CD. That'll solve the darn problem before it starts lol

Anyway, any and all information you can offer would be helpful!