[DarkFires]

I have a small problem I just recently formated one of my computers because it was so full of malware I decided it would be better overall to just backup and format. The only problem is I don't have a Windows XP Home install CD. I have the CD key that I got with the computer, but because it came preloaded I don't have a CD to install windows. It would help me greatly if anyone has any ideas how I can get a Windows XP Home CD I can install with my CD key or any other way I can fix this.

[Advertisements]

they should have supplied you with recovery CD's to install Windows from, or nothing at all?

[samiko]

they should have supplied you with recovery CD's to install Windows from, or nothing at all?

[DarkFires]

I got no CDs with the computer. All I got was the tower, keyboard, and mouse. When I got my computer Microsoft wasn't allowing recovery CDs or a Windows XP CD be given to the customer. That's changed now, but when I bought my computer the store could not legally give me the CDs.

[gerryf]

the store that told you that was lying....it might have been a store policy, or a OEM policy, but Microsoft has never made that policy.

Here are you options

1) first, you may have a hidden recovery partition on your drive...what kind of system is it. Often, tapping the f10 or f12 key at boot up will start the system recovery process

2) copy a cd of the version you have from someone. You have a legitimate license and a legitimate key. When you buy Windows, you buy a license. Microsoft does not copy-protect windows cds--they are a delivery medium.

But, you bought a license for a SPECIFIC version of windows....Retail, Upgrade, OEM....and a specific version of that, RTM, SP1, or SP2.

You must use that version and that iteration for your CD-key to work and for your license to be valid.

[woody1977]

Is it a packarbell????

If it is goto allprograms>packardbell support>smart restore.

Or goto the packarbell website_online tutorials.

cheers woody

[gerryf]

... I just recently formated one of my computers....

it is kind of tough to run a windows program after a format

[DarkFires]

it is kind of tough to run a windows program after a format

Yes I can't run a program on my computer because it has already been formated. I have tryed the restore pressing F10 and F12 and nothing turned up. My computer is an HP Pavilion 762c. I thought you could get a copy of a CD and install your key with it, but I didn't know there was the RTM, SP1, and SP2 that I would have to match allong with the OEM. I think its RTM. One of my friends said they have an OEM XP Home install CD I could use, I'll give that a try. Thanks for your help.

[Murray S.]

Howdy:

HP just lost a class action suit concerning that very thing (not giving restore cd's)..

Contact them and they will supply one free of charge !!

Murray

[DarkFires]

Oh, thats good to know I'll do that now.

[DarkFires]

I have ordered the CDs from HP and they will arrive in 3 to 5 business days. Thank you for your help

[Murray S.]

You are very welcome !!

Murray

[marillana]

Hello,

Do you still have this computer and are interested in selling it (even if it is no longer working)? I'm looking for this model in particular.
Please let me know to: mari_xx AT hotmail DOT com

Thanks!

 

Edited to remove in the clear E-mail address. E-mail should be removed as soon as you get a response. - Z

Also, this was 7 years ago so the likelihood of still having the XP computer is pretty small. Not 0 but close