Damaged Windows CD

[PWatterson]

I started to install Windows on a computer and everything was going fine. I leave it while it is formatting the partition and when I come back it says that it could not copy a file. I click retry. I the hear the dvd-drive making a weird sound. Upon listening for a few seconds, I realize that the motor is struggling to spin. I quit the Windows set-up and try to take the disc out. The tray comes out, but no disc. I grab the end of the disc and pull it out as gently as possible. I will let the pictures speak for themselves here.
I did try to run it again, but it would not start.

What can I do. Can I call Microsoft and tell them that my DVD-drive ate my disc? Would the send me a new disc (can't you use the same activation code? IIRC, the discs are generic.) Should I try one of those disc repairers? Is there anything else I could do?

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/4988/windowsxpcd001hm2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/3444/windowsxpcd002ai0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/1046/windowsxpcd003yh1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/5465/windowsxpcd004nc5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[jivetrky]

I'd bet if you call them they will just send you a new one. I'm sure if you show them the pictures and let them see it's obviously genuine, they wouldn't have a problem. And you have the important part, the activation code.

Really I think you could just download an ISO somewhere (I wonder if you could from MS themselves) But I guess if it was me, I'd want a real disc.

[PWatterson]

I do not mind downloading an ISO. It would sure save shiping and processing times. Anyone know of an especially good place to get an ISO?

[Patched]

Just barrow a friends or family members disk or have them make a copy for you. Since you have the activation code it "should" be legal. Make sure its the home version since your code only works on home.

I would be hesitant about DL'ing an ISO unless you can MD5 it with a know "good" MD5 sum and most of the ISO you can DL are the Corp Pro version ;)

You can copy/backup you're own disk, since alot of people do that to slipstream in service packs and drivers onto the install disk.

[PWatterson]

Ok, I think I got my problem solved and hopefully it was done legally. That is why I am typing this post. Here is what I did. I downloaded an updated Nov. 2006 Windows XP Home ISO from Bittorent. I installed it with their key code and then changed it to my old one with an official Microsoft key changer before activating. This is legal, right?

[tuskenraider]

You own your liscense(key), so yes, your install is legal.