I possess a laptop, with windows xp home edition and license (complete with sticker and access key etc)...I don't possess a Windows Home XP DIsk.
I need to reinstall windows on this laptop (the operating system on it wont let me perform restores etc), so I was wondering what is the ways and means of legally getting or creating a xp disc, and using it under the license on the laptop?
Genuine thanks for answers in advance.
2006-10-19 01:45:26 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
Chaps..I have no restore disk (bought the laptop second hand).
2006-10-19 01:54:34 · update #1
It's worth referring to the article below, but I'll highlight its salient points for you with regard to your question:
A lot of new PCs and laptops come with recovery or restore CDs instead of a Windows installation disc. You say that your operating system won't allow you to perform restores etc. I don't know if you're referring to Windows Restore which is a function of Windows XP, or if you mean you've got a recovery or restore disc that you can't load.
If you have a recovery CD or restore disc that came with your computer you can use this to get your computer back to the state it was in when you bought it. Be warned - this will likely involve formatting the machine and you will lose any files or data that hasn't been backed up!
The article below answers a question posed about using such a recovery CD to create your own Windows installation CD. The succinct answer is that you can't.
The easiest legal alternative is to borrow a friend's Windows XP Home installation CD if you know someone that has one. This is legal providing you have your own installation key and license label - which you have.
The other suggestion in this article is to do what I suggested above and use a recovery CD to get the system back as it was, then "ghost" (create an image) of the hard disk at this clean installed state. You can then use this ghost image on the same machine anytime in the future when you want to revert back to a clean state. This will, however, involve both some additional software to do the ghosting, and will also lose any/all data you don't have backed up.
As suggested below, and as someone has already said - it's just easier to get a 'copy' of a Windows XP Home install CD. This is legal provided you have your key and license sticker. So eBay it might be... or speak nicely to a friend.
I hope that helps explain your options clearly.
2006-10-19 01:49:53 · answer #1 · answered by Alasdair P 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Windows XP is a category that Home Edition falls under, just like Office Edition. I assume that if you have a CD for Home, then your OS is Home, but I can't be sure. You could try booting it from the CD but I highly recommend, despite the hassle, that you wipe your hard drive clean through a detailed process and then reinstall the Windows version that the laptop runs on. There are steps to this on the net, but it's a lot easier to use a phone-assistant or a serviceman unless of course you've done it before. I'm not too familiar with the error message, so before you take my advice, I suggest you try an find out whether or not a reboot needs to be taken for such a malfunction. Good luck.
2016-05-22 01:44:09 · answer #2 · answered by Claire 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You probably shouldn't just install Windows, your notebook manufacturer should have given you a recovery disk to use. Manufacturers sometimes change Windows a little bit and include those changes on the recovery disk. Put in the disk and boot to it...it might give you the option to just reinstall Windows or perform a non-destructive restore.
2006-10-19 01:51:40 · answer #3 · answered by Yoi_55 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to the link below and it will direct you to where you might can download the Windows XP program file.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310994
The Windows XP startup disk allows computers without a bootable CD-ROM to perform a new installation of the operating system. The Windows XP startup disk will automatically load the correct drivers to gain access to the CD-ROM drive and start a new installation of Setup. If you have a floppy disk drive you can go to the link below and download a new copy of XP Home.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=e8fe6868-6e4f-471c-b455-bd5afee126d8&DisplayLang=en
Hope this helps!!
2006-10-19 01:59:10 · answer #4 · answered by tonda_pooh_2004 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you have the access key, but not the CD, then Windows copy should be inside your PC, no idea how to get it, BUT you still can phone or E-mail the company you bought your computer from, there should be a FREE waranty with it for a year. Tell them your problem, they will certainly help you.
Sorry i wasn't for a help
leon
2006-10-19 01:53:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i don't know your situation, but the laptop should've been supplied with a cd or dvd that includes windows xp, even if the installation procedure is adapted for your laptop by its manufacturer, usually the windows xp installation is also copied on your hard drive for convenience.
maybe you should contact the firm that sold you the laptop
2006-10-19 01:54:45 · answer #6 · answered by Deep Thought 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need to check if system restore is turned on co to help support menu click system restore turn on try again it should restore os from memory if not by a new disc because licence keys will are essential to downloading microsoft software no key no download
2006-10-19 02:15:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it was already installed on your computer (OS), to reinstall it simply reboot your laptop computer. It should reinstall automatically.
2006-10-19 03:59:52 · answer #8 · answered by mitch_foulish 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can buy disks off ebay without CD keys
2006-10-19 01:49:03 · answer #9 · answered by jmather62 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there isnt i dont think
2006-10-19 01:56:54 · answer #10 · answered by ward1703 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋