How can I get Windows XP Professional on a CD

[Naveen]

Hello

My Windows XP computer got damaged by malware (no surprise there).

The system restore function does not work.

Microsoft in its infinite wisdom did not offer a restore CD when I purchased
this from Dell.

Can someone tell me how I can receive a Windows XP on a CD so that I can
reformat my computer.

Thanks

 

[Shenan Stanley]

My Windows XP computer got damaged by malware (no surprise there).

The system restore function does not work.

Microsoft in its infinite wisdom did not offer a restore CD when I
purchased
this from Dell.

Can someone tell me how I can receive a Windows XP on a CD so that I can
reformat my computer.

Why is it no surprise yourcomputer got 'damaged by malware'? It would be
surprising to me. It's not hard to keep from being infested by malware, not
overly complicated to avoid all together.

Microsoft did not supply your computer nor do they have any obligation to
supply you with anything - given what you have ("when I purchased this
[system] from Dell.") By your own admission, Dell sold you the computer and
thus supplies the stuff you get when you make said purchase. Dell would
supply you with whatever you requested when you purchased the machine.
Could have been an installation CD/DVD, could have been a
restoration/recovery CD/DVD set and/or it could have been a
recovery/restoration partition.

Check the paperwork that came with your computer and/or contact Dell. They
can tell you what method to use to try and restore your computer to it's 'as
shipped' state. They may even sell you a CD.

 

[sgopus]

Microsoft is not responsible for supplying a restore disc, Dell should be the
one you contact in regards to that. contact them with the serial number of
the pc and or look them up on the web, have your serial number handy.

 

[Bennett Marco]

Hello

My Windows XP computer got damaged by malware (no surprise there).

The system restore function does not work.

Microsoft in its infinite wisdom did not offer a restore CD when I purchased
this from Dell.

That was Dell's choice, not Microsoft's. If you didn't get a CD, then
there is a recovery partition on your hard drive that is accessible
prior to Windows loading. One or the other has to have been provided.

Look for a message involving an "F" key... it might also tell you to
use a two-key combo involving the CTRL key.

Can someone tell me how I can receive a Windows XP on a CD so that I can
reformat my computer.

If you can't recover using the hidden partition, try asking Dell for a
recovery CD... if they will send you one, it won't cost much.

 

[Jose]

Hello

My Windows XP computer got damaged by malware (no surprise there).

The system restore function does not work.

Microsoft in its infinite wisdom did not offer a restore CD when I purchased
this from Dell.

Can someone tell me how I can receive a Windows XP on a CD so that I can
reformat my computer.

Thanks

Did you remove the malware, and how did you do that?

What does "The system restore function does not work" mean?

Do you think a System Restore will solve your unspecified problem?

If you buy a built system, they are unlikely to provide any kind of
Microsoft XP CD(s). Some manufacturers will send you one for free,
some for a fee and some never. You should resign yourself to accept
that nobody is ever going to send you an XP installation CD and
formulate a new plan.

These systems usually supply you with a recovery CD of their own
making and/or a recovery partition on your installed HDD, neither of
which is the same as an XP installation CD.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Hello

My Windows XP computer got damaged by malware (no surprise there).

The system restore function does not work.

Microsoft in its infinite wisdom did not offer a restore CD when I purchased
this from Dell.

That had nothing to do with Microsoft; it was entirely Dell's choice.

Legally, the OEM has met it's contractual obligation to Microsoft by
providing a means of returning the PC to its ex-factory state, whether
it's a Recovery CD or a Recovery Partition. They are not legally
obliged to provide a true installation CD as part of the sale.
Reputable, customer-service aware OEMs, like Dell and Gateway, do
provide a full OEM installation CD, that does permit custom
installations and repairs. However, many uncaring OEMs, such as
eMachines, Compaq, HP, and Sony, in an effort to save pennies and reduce
their support costs by having to hire support people that need only say
"Boot from the Recovery CD to return your PC to its original condition,"
provide only a CD bearing a disk image of the hard drive as it left the
factory.

Essentially, it boils down to "You get what you pay for."

Can someone tell me how I can receive a Windows XP on a CD so that I can
reformat my computer.

Contact Dell for Recovery instructions, if you've lost the manual that
came with the computer.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Don't blame Microsoft for your casual disregard for security!

Contact Dell Support (or post in Dell forums) to find out how to use the
hidden Recovery partition to do a clean install of Windows. Please note
that a Repair Install (AKA in-place upgrade) will NOT fix this!

cf. http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html#steps

After the clean install, you'll have the equivalent of a "new computer" so
take care of everything on the following page before otherwise connecting
the machine to the internet or a network and before using a USB key that
isn't brand-new or hasn't been freshly formatted:

5 steps to help protect your new computer before you go online
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/advanced/xppc.mspx

HOW TO get a computer running WinXP Gold (no Service Packs) fully patched
(after a clean install)
http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsupdate/msg/3f5afa8ed33e121c

HOW TO get a computer running WinXP SP1(a) or SP2 fully patched (after a
clean install)
http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/msg/a066ae41add7dd2b

Also see:

Steps To Help Prevent Spyware
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/spyware/prevent.mspx

Rogue Security Software - Microsoft Security:
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/viruses/rogue.mspx

 

[Richard Urban]

Microsoft has nothing to do with Dell offering a CD of the operating system.
So, it has nothing to do with Microsoft "in their infinite wisdom"

Why don't you blame those who cause the problem - the computer
manufacturers?

 

[Singapore Computer Service]

Hello,

Dell desktops and laptops here come with a Windows XP CD at no extra charge.
It may not be labelled as a Restore CD or it may be labelled as a Windows XP
installation disc. Check the discs that came with your system.

Regards,
Singapore Computer Home Repair Service
http://www.bootstrike.com/ComputerService/
Video Conversion VHS Video8 Hi8 Digital8 MiniDv MicroMv
http://www.bootstrike.com/VHSVideoConvert/

 

[ju.c]

Dell PC's usually come with a restore partition.
If you see a blue www.dell.com bar when you start
your computer then you've got one. Press Ctrl+F11
while the www.dell.com bar is showing. (The Dell
bar lasts for two seconds)


ju.c

 

[noone]

Microsoft has nothing to do with Dell offering a CD of the operating
system. So, it has nothing to do with Microsoft "in their infinite
wisdom"

Why don't you blame those who cause the problem - the computer
manufacturers?

I think the OP cause the problem himself by not creating the restoration
disks when he got the computer (RTFM)

 

[smlunatick]

Hello,

Dell desktops and laptops here come with a Windows XP CD at no extra charge.
It may not be labelled as a Restore CD or it may be labelled as a WindowsXP
installation disc. Check the discs that came with your system.

Regards,
Singapore Computer Home Repair Servicehttp://www.bootstrike.com/ComputerService/

Dell PCs recently have been delivered with a recovery partition, on
the same hard drive as the system boot drive C:. If / when the hard
drive fails, the recovery system disappears.

 

[Jon]

Hi,

Looks like you've had lots of unhelpful comments so far.

I have this problem at the moment - I've been given a secondhand laptop with no CDs and the hard
drive had Linux installed on it, and there was no "recovery partition". It had a Windows XP Pro
sticker with a product number on it, so if I can find a XP Pro OEM CD, I can install XP.

I have been asking lots of people that I know if they have a "generic" (ie not branded with Dell,
HP, etc) OEM copy of XP Pro. I'm saying to them even if you don't have one, could you ask your
friends if they have one.

Someone has just told me that they know someone who has, and they will make a copy of it for me
(this probably isn't illegal, since it won't include a product key).

Note that in your case it must be an OEM copy, not a retail copy.

Also note that it must match the version that you have (Home or Pro - tthe sticker with the product
key on it should say which you have).

So, the only advice that I can give you is to ask lots of people who are computer savvy.

Good luck!



Hello

My Windows XP computer got damaged by malware (no surprise there).

The system restore function does not work.

Microsoft in its infinite wisdom did not offer a restore CD when I purchased
this from Dell.

Can someone tell me how I can receive a Windows XP on a CD so that I can
reformat my computer.

Thanks

 

[Roy Smith]

Hi,

Looks like you've had lots of unhelpful comments so far.

How are all the previous comments unhelpful? Practically everyone is
telling him to contact Dell to get a replacement set of CD's or
instructions on restoring using the hidden restore partition.

I have this problem at the moment - I've been given a secondhand laptop with no CDs and the hard
drive had Linux installed on it, and there was no "recovery partition". It had a Windows XP Pro
sticker with a product number on it, so if I can find a XP Pro OEM CD, I can install XP.

You can also contact the company that made the laptop and request a set
of restore CD's. Just tell them your situation, that the drive had been
formatted and Linux installed. You may have to pay a small fee for the
discs but you'll have Windows with all of the necessary drivers for the
hardware in your laptop included.

 

[Jon]

"How are all the previous comments unhelpful?"
I didn't say all, I said lots. Lots of them gave the frustrated OP a lecture on Microsoft, etc.

"You can also contact the company that made the laptop and request a set of restore CD's... You may
have to pay a small fee... but you'll have Windows with all of the necessary drivers..."
In my opinion, a generic disk is much better. The recovery disk may contain what I consider to be
junk programmes (eg Works, AV). I could install them of course - I did this with my Dell laptop and
had to do a lot of uninstalling. The drivers may well be old so I would need to go to the
manufacturers website to download the most recent versions. XP may well be SP1 with IE6 on the
recovery disk.

I slipstreamed SP3 and IE7 using nlite onto a CD. The disk can also be used for other PCs. I don't
have to wait for the manufacturer to send one or pay a small fee.

Hi,

Looks like you've had lots of unhelpful comments so far.

How are all the previous comments unhelpful? Practically everyone is
telling him to contact Dell to get a replacement set of CD's or
instructions on restoring using the hidden restore partition.

I have this problem at the moment - I've been given a secondhand laptop with no CDs and the hard
drive had Linux installed on it, and there was no "recovery partition". It had a Windows XP Pro
sticker with a product number on it, so if I can find a XP Pro OEM CD, I can install XP.

You can also contact the company that made the laptop and request a set
of restore CD's. Just tell them your situation, that the drive had been
formatted and Linux installed. You may have to pay a small fee for the
discs but you'll have Windows with all of the necessary drivers for the
hardware in your laptop included.

 

[smlunatick]

"How are all the previous comments unhelpful?"
I didn't say all, I said lots. Lots of them gave the frustrated OP a lecture on Microsoft, etc.

"You can also contact the company that made the laptop and request a set of restore CD's...  You may
have to pay a small fee... but you'll have Windows with all of the necessary drivers..."
In my opinion, a generic disk is much better. The recovery disk may contain what I consider to be
junk programmes (eg Works, AV). I could install them of course - I did this with my Dell laptop and
had to do a lot of uninstalling. The drivers may well be old so I would need to go to the
manufacturers website to download the most recent versions. XP may well be SP1 with IE6 on the
recovery disk.

I slipstreamed SP3 and IE7 using nlite onto a CD. The disk can also be used for other PCs. I don't
have to wait for the manufacturer to send one or pay a small fee.




How are all the previous comments unhelpful?  Practically everyone is
telling him to contact Dell to get a replacement set of CD's or
instructions on restoring using the hidden restore partition.


You can also contact the company that made the laptop and request a set
of restore CD's.  Just tell them your situation, that the drive had been
formatted and Linux installed.  You may have to pay a small fee for the
discs but you'll have Windows with all of the necessary drivers for the
hardware in your laptop included.

Did Microsoft "sell" the computer? The company who "made" the
computer (Dell) decided to preinstall a Windows XP Professional onto
the hard drive. They are also "obligated" to provide a method os re-
installing the Windows XP Professional, at a later time. This
requirement does not mean that only a CD can be provided. In recent
years, Dell has "deemed" a hidden recovery partition to meet this
requirement. Unfortunately, Dell never "envisioned" the hard drive
completely failing (or did they???) They also never thought that
users would become "greedy" and decide to remove this hidden partition
(can be done with "advanced" hard drive tools.) They did officially
offer additional "Windows XP" recovery methods at the time the
computer was first sold. Unfortunately, these "additional" methods
were usually add-ons that most "novice" Dell "purchasers" never
explore.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

<snipped>

Did Microsoft perchance help this decision along by offering Dell a
discount on the Windows license if the machine shipped without a
Windows CD?


And of course MS never envisioned that if machines shipped without
CD's, a certain percentage of users might end up having to buy
Windows all over again (or did they???)

Isn't circular logic great... It can just go on and on.

Dell did get a discount by choosing to go with OEM licenses. They also - in
the confines of said agreement - took over the support. Willingly. They
made a business decision. They took over certain responsibilities so they
could lower their cost and sell more systems with what they thought their
customers wanted on them.

Dell also then got to choose how they distributed these OEM licenses and how
they followed some of the lesser-defined parts. They only had to give the
customers a way to restore the computer to as-sold - they did not have to
give the customer an actual installation CD (but they will and usually
actually gave the customer a choice when configuring the system - even if
not given, the customer *could* ask and likely would have received.
Ignorance/excuses. Another game to play?)

If someone ends up having to buy a Windows XP CD when they have a legitimate
CoA/product key - that is a lack of knowledge. Not saying that this wasn't
expected - since there are some businesses that make money of ignorance -
some legally. Could be - won't argue it is possible.

It just goes on and on. The customer could have made a more informed
decision, could call Dell now and demand satisfaction or not lost their
original media (if provided.) Dell could have sold retail licenses or
handed out CDs with each system and/or had a system of creating media from
the installed system. Microsoft could have decided not to have differing
licensing tiers, changed the agreement so that customers have to get a CD,
etc... Yes - so many possibilities and only one reality.

The OP should...
1) Contact Dell, see what they will do for them.
2) Borrow a copy of a generic OEM CD from a friend, relative or co-worker
and make a copy.
3) Backups, safe place - good idea.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

On Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:05:40 -0700, smlunatick wrote:


Did Microsoft perchance help this decision along by offering Dell a
discount on the Windows license if the machine shipped without a Windows
CD?

Don't know. Do you have any independently verifiable documentation
that suggests they did? If not, I've certainly no reason to think so.

And of course MS never envisioned that if machines shipped without CD's,
a certain percentage of users might end up having to buy Windows
all over again (or did they???)

Don't know. Do you have any independently verifiable documentation
that suggests they did? If not, I've certainly no reason to think so.

If you've no supporting evidence, take your conspiracy theories elsewhere.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Now let's put back the part that prompted my statement:


How come you didn't raise the same objection there?

Given the so-called "quality" of Dell's Consumer support divisions, I
wouldn't be the least bit surprised to learn that they never anticipated
a hard drive failure. Hence, no objection.

Why would it only
matter to you when it's Microsoft's reputation that's being questioned?

When all you have is unsubstantiated rumor that runs contrary to my
experiences, I'll question what you say about any company.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot