[rshaffer61]

OK it has to be the same as what is installed..
Home, Media or Pro. Sp11,2 or 3....Also make sure it is either the OEM or Retail version. If on a prebuilt name brand system it would have to be a OEM version.

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My wife just got another Dell Laptop and there is no OS CD with it. I'm not sure one came with the one you're helping me with. I've never thrown anything away. Is it possible I didn't get one?

[frostyr1]

My wife just got another Dell Laptop and there is no OS CD with it. I'm not sure one came with the one you're helping me with. I've never thrown anything away. Is it possible I didn't get one?

[Macboatmaster]

I think you have got the wrong key
You click on the setup in the left pane
you do not expand setup
I think you may have done so and clicked on the the win options.



However I am not sure.

see my screenshot the one you want is the last listed - Source path THE LAST ONE not the one above - highlighted in my screenshot. ie: source path at this time before you change it to your optical drive - you are going to edit it to C.

Edited by Macboatmaster, 04 March 2011 - 03:31 PM.

[rshaffer61]

It is common now that no recovery disk is included with new systems. The recovery is actually on a hidden partition on the HD itself. One of the first steps with a new laptop is that you have to make the recovery disks per the owners manual that came with the system.

[frostyr1]

I found the setup folder but there is no source path. There is a line that says
OSLoaderPath.

[frostyr1]

I am going to be gone for a couple days. Can I get back with you Monday?

[rshaffer61]

Sure thing just post here or send one of us a PM letting us know you are ready to continue.

[frostyr1]

OK, I'm back. I haven't found a recovery disc. I see Dell has a system restore and PC restore. I'm also open to getting a new hard drive if nothing else works.

[rshaffer61]

Did you check on post 33 what Macboatmaster posted?

[frostyr1]

Answer to 33 is that source path is already on C:\. Running checkdisk again now.

[Macboatmaster]

That source path for C was not to run chkdsk it was to run - system file checker which is "sfc /scannow"

[frostyr1]

Nothing changes, and I don't have the installation CD. It keeps asking for it.

[rshaffer61]

OK, I'm back. I haven't found a recovery disc. I see Dell has a system restore and PC restore. I'm also open to getting a new hard drive if nothing else works.

This still won't do you any good without either the set of Recovery Disks from Dell for your system or purchasing a new OS installation disk.

[frostyr1]

I found an OEM reinstallation CD for windows xp professional including service pack 1a. Can I use that?

[rshaffer61]

Nope since you have Home Media installed according to your first post.