How do I reinstall Windows without the lost "restore" CDs it shipped with?

Question

It is an out-of-warranty Dell laptop. Operating system has ground to a halt. Have done extensive virus checking and comes up clean. Want to reinstall without having to buy a second XP license for the same machine? Any ideas?

Answer 1

if you have windows xp home this is what you do.

1. open bios settings on start-up (windows key + f1) you need to do this very quickly as it will only give you a few seconds to do this, once up, navigate to the advanced heading and set "reset configuration data" to yes.

2. then press f10 and hold, press yes (to save and exit while still keeping down f10) then wait until you hear a loud beep. then let go of f10 and you should get a xp system recovery screen appear. just OK it and then it will run the recovery with no CD. once done you will be greeted with the screen that you see after you first brought your computer and it should all work fine. what i would say though is to avoid further errors get ccleaner. it is a piece of freeware and it cleans the stuff that could cause your pc to be unstable (stopping this from happening in the near future again)

Answer 2

Call Dell, they may be able to ship you a restore CD even for an out of warranty laptop. Get the serial numbers and service tags. Even if they charge you a small admin or shipping fee it'll be nothing compared to what getting a whole new copy of XP will cost you.

But, if you have your license sticker and product code on yoru laptop you should be able to use that codeto install windows XP from any XP installation CD. Try calling microsoft up with the details, who knows?

Answer 3

First you need a Windows installation CD. Without this, you are out of luck. Getting a Dell installation disk from another laptop owner may not work as each CD is unique to the components they put in.

Good luck.

Answer 4

i'd still call Dell to see if they can ship a replacement OS disk - they dont need to support you or anything, just send you a disk which you'd have to pay for. (But nothing like paying for a full XP from retail)

Also, Vista comes out soon. might want to save your pain until when this comes out.

Second option is download XP from bit torrent. (torrentspy.com) --- If you're unfarmiliar with bit torrent, go to the torrentspy forums to learn how to download an illegal version of XP if you so choose.

Answer 5

If you have access to the Internet, and I am guessing you do to receive this message, goggle "MS Update" or "Windows Updates" and you will have access to the downloads if you are an authorized purchaser. The site will search your hard drive for an access key from the original download and if authentic , you will be offered either a medic scan with updates and current fixes or software patches. The site practically runs itself, follow the prompts and allow the java script

Answer 6

Yes, you can contact dell with your express service tag that should be located on the computer somewhere. Give them purchase persons information and they will direct you to a site download or can ship you a disk, either will cost you some money, but the download will be faster and cheaper.

Hope this helps.
Go here:
http://support.dell.com/?~ck=mn

Answer 7

You can contact Dell and they can ship you replacement Restore CDs...it might cost a few bucks. I just got some for a very old Compaq, it cost me about $20.

Answer 8

You should have been provided with a copy of Windows when you bought the laptop. Always insist they give you one. As for your current issue, borrow a copy from someone else if you can, but use your own serial number.

Answer 9

sorry brah.. there aint any other way ya you got an option if you want something for free go for linux