Need to reinstall microsoft works - but installation CD no good

[verylittlecarrot]

I need to reinstall microsoft works 2004, and I have the installation disk, but my dvd disk drive has packed up on my laptop. Can I download it for free, and if so, how? (I have the product code etc and the disk stuff)

Ta

I don't think that you can download disk images of Microsoft products, well not legally anyway, unless you have a very special license from them.

DVD drives are so vital for computers that is it not worth repairing your one?

Alternatively you could find a friend who has a computer and using the DVD in their machine make a copy of the DVD that you could take to your machine on an external disk drive.

If you want to do that latter option then let us know what Operating System you and your friend have (Windows XP etc.) and instructions can be provided.

Probably easier to download a free Office suite, there are a couple of good ones around. Try OpenOffice or Lotus Symphony

They will allow you to open, edit and save Microsoft compatible documents.

Might be worth going into a local PC shop and asking if they have an external CD/DVD drive that can plug in on USB. You need to reinstall, and you're debating whether to get an external drive, or have the internal drive fixed, or whether to get a new laptop (OK, last might be too optimistic depending on how the current economic climate is affecting you).

You never know, they might have a spare drive sitting on a shelf and will let you install MS Works while you are in the shop, in the hope that their help will bring you back to buy a new machine or accessories in future...

Be sure to take note of the costs for the external drive and fixing the internal. An external CD reader might be all you need, for now. (I assume MS Works was on a CD not DVD)

It has been a long time since I've written a CD or DVD, as these days 50 pounds can get you a USB external drive holding anything upwards of 250 GB (new 1000 GB drives are coming down to 50 pounds, so it won't be long until there will be external storage of similar capacity at lower prices - I paid around 80 pounds in 0February/March for 1000 GB external drive.

Here's a CD-ROM for under 11.50 (first class post) check the link (copy and paste needed):
cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250513359435

Oh wow, this is really helpful - thanks!