Computer CD dilema

Dear Actuaries,

Here is the situation. I would like to see your opinion because I trust you with all my heart: 2 years ago a friend from University visited me from far away. He was in town with his own friend, call him Dell, who while not a real friend of mine is someone I am familiar with and on good terms with. The two of them came to my house and while near my computer. My friend, who is a tech guru, mentioned that Dell's computer was broken and he'd like to fix it but he'd need to borrow my Windows 98 CD. Since I am a nice guy and because I didn't think I'd ever need it this CD again, I lent them my CD and thought nothing of it.

Now 2 years later, my computer is very sick and I need to reinstall Windows. I have tracked Dell down about 2 months ago but much to my dismay he informed me that he lost the CD. He informed me that he would definitely get it replaced somehow. It is 2 months later and I have not heard from him. Given I am not close to this man, would you write it off as a loss and buy new computer/CD, or continue to call him and put pressure on him to replace CD. I was annoyed he lost it because that's just irresponsible but I admit it was 2 years later and I never thought I would need the CD at the time I lent it. I greatly appreciate your kind thoughts and advice and will follow it. Thank you.

[Klaymen]

You are long overdue for Windows XP. If your OS is that old, you're probably ready for a new computer.

[Pseudolus]

A word to the wise. Don't pee on her leg. And if you must, don't tell her it's raining.

[JMO Fan]

Good advice -- don't lend anything you can't afford to lose.

When I fail to heed this, I consider any bad result to be my fault. I might try to recover, but often it causes more grief than it's worth.

[Loner]

Just talk to your friendly IT guy and see if he's got a bootleg copy available.

[Triangle Man]

Originally Posted by Loner

Just talk to your friendly IT guy and see if he's got a bootleg copy available.

Yeah. If you know more than 10 people, you know someone who's got a Windows 98 disk tucked at the bottom of some shelf somewhere, long forgotten. Or you can probably get one on EBay for a dollar.

[L. Mo]

I think I still have mine (prior PC)....

[SamTheEagle]

Where's the option for voting for both?

[silverfox]

Upgrade your OS.

[oedipus rex]

install Linux!