I'm planning on formatting my hard drive because it is virtually unusable due to viruses, but I don't want to pay for a new operating system. I am currently running Windows XP, and I am wondering if I will still have it installed after I clear the HDD. XP came loaded onto my computer when I bought it, so I have no installation disc. I have one for another computer, but it has been used already ( that means I can't use it again, right?) I really don't want to pay the hundred dollars or so for a new version of XP.
2007-05-13 06:12:36 · 16 answers · asked by Vlad 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
If you don't have the installation disc, you have 2 main options.
1. You can see if you can get the installation disc from the manufacturer. You should have good luck if it hasn't been years and years since you bought the computer. You should not have to pay full price for it, but they may charge you a few bucks. I had to pay $10 to get my OS on a disc, but definitely worth it.
2. If you know someone with the EXACT same version of XP that you have, you should be able to install it using that disc. I do mean EXACT version. If you have Home and they have Pro...no go. If you have Pro and they have Media Center Edition...no go. You get the idea. Your activation code (which should probably be attached to your computer) should still work. If the number has been activated a couple times already it may ask you to call MS and enter in a bunch of numbers, then it should give you a new activation code. I've used this method to Re-install windows on several of my friend's company's computers. It is in NO WAY illegal because the computers all had their own activation code attached to them, I just used the one version of Windows that the company owned.
Good luck!
2007-05-13 06:20:41 · answer #1 · answered by natebetween 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have a valid license for XP that came with your machine you can install it from any CD and use your number. As long as it's the same version, ie: XP Home, XP Pro, etc.
The other thing is if you did not get install disks with your new system then there is a restore partition hidden on your hard drive. Have you looked into that?
2007-05-13 06:17:09 · answer #2 · answered by pappy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Formatting your Hard Disk Drive will essentially wipe out the Operating System of your computer completely. So unless and until you have the Operating System CD with you, you will not be able to install it back and use the computer.
2007-05-13 06:17:36 · answer #3 · answered by ArnieSchivaSchangaran 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you format your hard drive, you are going to erase your operating system. You should be able to call the company you bought your computer from and ask for a new windows disk. It will probably take about a week, but you actually need it to even start the formatting process.
2007-05-13 06:16:19 · answer #4 · answered by xcdenim 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your experience is very common. Your computer should have come with a recovery disk, but if you lost it or if it's not a complete copy of XP, then you'll have to buy a new copy. Curse Microsoft for not making an operating system with common sense precautions. Microsoft owes the GLOBE a big appology and a lot of money.
2007-05-13 06:16:59 · answer #5 · answered by DayinthePark 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
before you reformat how about login to admintrative and type in the run box cmd then enter then type sfc / scannow and may have to put the xp cd in doesn't matter about the key just for this part to do. it check things on it follow the directions it say and say yes to all question or things it says you may have to reboot. ok after this is done redo it in run box type cmd then enter then type chkdsk/f if this don't do then put a space in middle answer yes to all and it may say it will do on your next reboot so reboot.this is just like doing scandisk on win 98 very easy it will correct lots of problems. ok if this does help then let it boot up to desktop and clean out all temp internet files and history in the internet options and do diskcleanup also use a spyware remover such as adaware se personal from www.lavasoft.com i would do all these things before i would reformat cause you may not have to if these things work. if you need more help you can always ask for help in yahoo messenger chat computer internet windows room 2 or 3
2007-05-13 06:37:34 · answer #6 · answered by feisty1963 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If windows is installed on the drive which is virtually unusable, then it is a must for you to format it and reinstall the drive.
If not, be cool and head for formattin that drive.
(just try installing the same CD in this 1 also (experiment)
2007-05-13 06:30:20 · answer #7 · answered by pickut2001 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does your computer have a "D" or restore partition. If so, burn that partition to a DVD so that you will have a backup of it, and then open the partition and click "Restore" This should restore your system to box fresh.
If you don't have a Restore Partition, then you will need to purchase a copy of Windows first, and then install it. All data on your hard drive will be lost.
2007-05-13 06:18:19 · answer #8 · answered by Ron M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most manufacturers offer you the option to purchase the operating system's CD. So, I would start there and have them mail it to you. You should not have to pay again for your XP. You paid for it once when you purchased your computer.
2007-05-13 06:22:52 · answer #9 · answered by Ron 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you will lose your operating system, yes.
you cannot legally install the same copy of windows on 2 computers.
call the company you bought the computer from and demand a copy of the XP install disc.
2007-05-13 06:15:37 · answer #10 · answered by videocrew 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋