[Retired Tech]

No need to install it on another PC, the product key is the thing you need, your local microsoft office will confirm you can re-install it

What did it do when you tried to repair with enter on screen one, then F8 then R

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Ok, I do have the product key.

Those steps take me to where I was before. The screen where I choose the partition to repair (where I found C: is Empty). I choose C:, press enter and it says the drive is damaged or of an incompatible format or something, and it warns me about reformatting.

[twolfe87]

Ok, I do have the product key.

Those steps take me to where I was before. The screen where I choose the partition to repair (where I found C: is Empty). I choose C:, press enter and it says the drive is damaged or of an incompatible format or something, and it warns me about reformatting.

[Retired Tech]

If you have all the software, the only thing is to check with microsoft but I'm certain office is re-installable with what you have

Then it's re-install XP

http://www.petri.co....dows_xp_pro.htm

http://www.windowsre...stall/index.htm

[twolfe87]

Ok, How do I contact Microsoft, and what am I supposed to ask them?

I'll try to get around to the reinstall in the next two days, pretty busy with work.

I'll let you know how it goes.

[Retired Tech]

If you click contact us, just above the hand it should give the page for your location, if not, got to microsoft.com, click contact us

http://support.micro...tus/?ws=support

You just need to confirm the edition you have is re-installable

It must be but better to check

[twolfe87]

Hey,

My parents paid for the computer and are a little eager to send it in for service.

Could hardware cause this sort of thing? Is there any way I could check for damage to the hardware?

[Retired Tech]

It would depend on the cost of service, if the PC is within warranty then go ahead and have it looked at, hardware is a possibility

[twolfe87]

Ok, I just got done chatting with dell, they had me run this diagnostics thing. Apparently my hard drive has gone bad. I should have a new one in 2-3 days.

[Retired Tech]

That's good news in a way

[twolfe87]

Yes, I guess, It's under warranty so I'm not paying for it. At least now I know what's wrong.

I didn't lose anything too important, so I'm not too bummed. I guess I need to learn how to back things up though, the program in your signature, winbackup, I believe. It's good for this sort of thing?

[Retired Tech]

Yes that will do fine

You might want to have a play with it before you get the new drive