Reformating (reinstall?) Windows XP with no disc.

[Zhukov]

If I point you to my previous thread, which brings me why I'm reformatting, you will find that my backups and Windows disc burnt up in flames in a small fire where they where stored while I was away for training. The computer was good, until now.

I have somewhat a basic idea of how to reformat a computer. I will need my drivers for my graphics card, motherboard, and...? A copy of Windows. What about my floppy drive, CD Rom, and DVD R/W? Will they just be recognized?

I'm just concerned about having everything (files) to get my computer like new. Pictures, MP3's, Videos I can backup or find some other way of storing them (ie: online). Then again, will these re-install with no complications when I use a back-up software program.

The few that help me online, I much appreciate it. I feel like a newbie…

[Zhukov]

Will I have to buy a new version of Windows? I assume not, but it seams daunting the other way.

OEM versions dont cost much?

[kosova]

Originally Posted by Zhukov Will I have to buy a new version of Windows? I assume not, but it seams daunting the other way. OEM versions dont cost much?

im kind of confused, if the hardrive u plan to partition/format (can u do that in a hdd?) is the active partition (like my C: where my OS is in) then yes you will need the OS CD.
If i was to delete everything in my pc by partition/format i'd put the wind xp cd and then go thru the process where it says where to put the OS it displays my current partitions in the HDD you have the option D (delete all) or C (create new). I'd click D to delete it all..that happens then the OS installs which takes 30-90minutes. THat's how'd that would work, keep in mind that i'd lose all my data. Followed by a couple of disk defrags

[sdkfz]

Zhukov,

How did you get windows? If it came preinstalled on the PC then you should contact the OEM (Compaq etc) to see about getting a replacement- they'll probably ding you <25.00.

If it is a Microsoft original disk then you can get a replacement from them
http://support.microsoft.com/default...5Bln%5D;326246 - not sure of cost but it can't be more than an OEM

In both cases you'll need the install code, at least with the OEM this should be somewhere on the PC. If that was lost in the fire too, then get an OEM copy from newegg or some other retailer.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16837102151

[Zhukov]

Originally Posted by sdkfz How did you get windows? If it came preinstalled on the PC then you should contact the OEM (Compaq etc) to see about getting a replacement- they'll probably ding you <25.00.

It came preinstalled on the PC; a Compaq. Computer was purchased used.

Originally Posted by sdkfz In both cases you'll need the install code, at least with the OEM this should be somewhere on the PC. If that was lost in the fire too, then get an OEM copy from newegg or some other retailer.

I do not have the code, and I do not know how (or if I can) to look up the code on the computer.

Thanks, I'll try to contace Compaq.

[Marke522]

My father in law purchased a used Compaq a few years ago, and was able to get order a set of Quick Restore cd's for only $10. That's a lot better than having to purchase a copy of windows.

Going that route will also make sure you have the same bundled software that you are currently using. If you use an OEM XP install you'll lose anything that was part of that prebuild.

[sdkfz]

Originally Posted by Zhukov It came preinstalled on the PC; a Compaq. Computer was purchased used. I do not have the code, and I do not know how (or if I can) to look up the code on the computer. Thanks, I'll try to contace Compaq.

The code should be somewhere on the PC in the form of a sticker, it may be on the inside of the PC, what model Compaq is it? Maybe some one has one or experience with it and can point you to the location.

Getting the restore disks from Compaq will work, using them will wipe the PC and take it back to fresh out of the box with all the software/drivers etc - as long as the hardware is original that is...

[Marke522]

It won't be on the inside. All the Compaq's I've seen have always had the sticker on the bottom of the left or right side, near the back of the tower.

Little white and green (maybe blue) sticker with lots of letters and numbers, looking like this.

AB34E-123D5-678IJ-FGH90-XYZTS

That's not a real code, just something I made up. Don't try to use it.

If the tower had a door covering the optical drive bays, then you might find a serial number sticker there, that's what you will need when you call Compaq to tell them what cd's you will need.

By the way, the phone number you'll need is 1-800-OK-COMPAQ.

[jayb1234]

Here is a utility program that will find the key for you, if you can't find it on the case.

[Zhukov]

I found the code, and will call Compaq tommorrow, or next week. Need to start making back-ups, and my Frontpage will probably require a code as well? I have that at home.

Best help I have had anywhere; much appreciated.

[jayb1234]

Check the post by garyrouth in this thread for another option than a new CD.

[Zhukov]

I might consider that.

I don't know if I will do this anytime soon; doesn't Microsoft Frontpage need a code to install? I have that far away at "home" in Indiana.

I wonder if "CleanUp" deleted something that I needed; oddly, the computer worked great two weeks after I used it, until I clicked on some menu in the start menu.