repairing without the cd?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rainy
  • Start date Start date
R

Rainy

Hi, is there a way to use the repair option from somewhere on the hard
drive?.. my son is still having problems.. he bought the computer with
windows xp already installed.. I suggested to him that what might fix some
of his problems if he uses the repair option on the cd.. he then informed me
he doesn't have the cd..:( I think I already know the answer to this one.
but thought I would ask.. thanks Rainy
 
What type of XP is it. By that I mean is it an OEM or retail version. You
might be able to tell by looking at control panel | System | General tab.
Under registered to does the number there have OEM in it? Also what make of
computer is it. That might help identify the type of Windows installation.

What I am getting at is if you find out the type of Windows installation you
can borrow a disc from someone who has the same type. Just use your sons
serial number which will either be on a sticker on the case or use magic
jellybean to recover it.

You might find that the files are stored on a hidden partition on the
computer. Have a look in computer management to see it you can see a hidden
partition. There might also be a program shortcut on the start menu which
will give you access to some recovery options. Some manufacturers put their
own recovery program on there which gives access to the hidden partition. It
all depends on the computer type and so on.
 
what do you do copy and paste the contents to the windows folder?
Rainy said:
Hi, is there a way to use the repair option from somewhere on the hard
drive?
Click to expand...

If you have i386 ( about 500mb ) you can do a repair.
 
I will send this to my son.. he will know this information.. thank you so
much.. I think it's retail... but will have to ask him..thanks so much!
Rainy
What type of XP is it. By that I mean is it an OEM or retail version. You
might be able to tell by looking at control panel | System | General tab.
Under registered to does the number there have OEM in it? Also what make of
computer is it. That might help identify the type of Windows installation.

What I am getting at is if you find out the type of Windows installation you
can borrow a disc from someone who has the same type. Just use your sons
serial number which will either be on a sticker on the case or use magic
jellybean to recover it.

You might find that the files are stored on a hidden partition on the
computer. Have a look in computer management to see it you can see a hidden
partition. There might also be a program shortcut on the start menu which
will give you access to some recovery options. Some manufacturers put their
own recovery program on there which gives access to the hidden partition. It
all depends on the computer type and so on.
 
Hi again, woudln't the key and the serial number be connected.. I mean if
his key was issued with a certain serial number.. he would not be able to
do this with someone else's cd.. or could he? thanks Rainy
What type of XP is it. By that I mean is it an OEM or retail version. You
might be able to tell by looking at control panel | System | General tab.
Under registered to does the number there have OEM in it? Also what make of
computer is it. That might help identify the type of Windows installation.

What I am getting at is if you find out the type of Windows installation you
can borrow a disc from someone who has the same type. Just use your sons
serial number which will either be on a sticker on the case or use magic
jellybean to recover it.

You might find that the files are stored on a hidden partition on the
computer. Have a look in computer management to see it you can see a hidden
partition. There might also be a program shortcut on the start menu which
will give you access to some recovery options. Some manufacturers put their
own recovery program on there which gives access to the hidden partition. It
all depends on the computer type and so on.
 
Hi again, woudln't the key and the serial number be connected.. I mean if
his key was issued with a certain serial number.. he would not be able to
do this with someone else's cd.. or could he?
Click to expand...

The product key is the constant. It enables the install (or repair
install). The serial number is generated randomly during the install
process. So, yes, they're connected but he needs the product key to install
or repair install.

If he install XP from a retail copy, the product key is included in the box
with the CD. If from an oem copy and Windows XP was preinstalled, there
should be a sticker with the prodcut key somewhere on the PC. The sticker
is placed somewhere on the PC tower for desktop units and found on the
bottom of laptops.

If a person has their product key, they can use that and any XP cd of the
same type (retail or generic oem) to reinstall.

If there's a specialized oem CD (HP, Compaq, etc) that has been bios locked
to one particular system - it gets tricky. Some of these will only install
on the original system. Some will install but require a phone call to
activate. Best practice here is to use what the OEM supplied and if a CD is
missing, contact the OEM about obtaining a replacement.

Some oem systems have recovery/restore procedures that are different or in
addition to the methods offered by just XP. For example- pressing F10
during boot time on an HP or Compaq system is likely to start their Oem
supplied recovery application.

If the system documentation is unavailable to your son, copies are most
likely downloadable from the oem. The documentation will inform about any
special recovery options that are available and how to use them.
 
Glen said:
What type of XP is it. By that I mean is it an OEM or retail version.
Click to expand...


Rainy says "he bought the computer with windows xp already installed" That
almost certainly means it's OEM.
 
he may have bought it used.. and just didn't get the cd with it.. but I will
ask him. thanks Ken... Rainy
Glen said:
What type of XP is it. By that I mean is it an OEM or retail version.
Click to expand...


Rainy says "he bought the computer with windows xp already installed" That
almost certainly means it's OEM.
 
thanks sharon, will forward this to my son... :) Rainy
Hi again, woudln't the key and the serial number be connected.. I mean if
his key was issued with a certain serial number.. he would not be able to
do this with someone else's cd.. or could he?
Click to expand...

The product key is the constant. It enables the install (or repair
install). The serial number is generated randomly during the install
process. So, yes, they're connected but he needs the product key to install
or repair install.

If he install XP from a retail copy, the product key is included in the box
with the CD. If from an oem copy and Windows XP was preinstalled, there
should be a sticker with the prodcut key somewhere on the PC. The sticker
is placed somewhere on the PC tower for desktop units and found on the
bottom of laptops.

If a person has their product key, they can use that and any XP cd of the
same type (retail or generic oem) to reinstall.

If there's a specialized oem CD (HP, Compaq, etc) that has been bios locked
to one particular system - it gets tricky. Some of these will only install
on the original system. Some will install but require a phone call to
activate. Best practice here is to use what the OEM supplied and if a CD is
missing, contact the OEM about obtaining a replacement.

Some oem systems have recovery/restore procedures that are different or in
addition to the methods offered by just XP. For example- pressing F10
during boot time on an HP or Compaq system is likely to start their Oem
supplied recovery application.

If the system documentation is unavailable to your son, copies are most
likely downloadable from the oem. The documentation will inform about any
special recovery options that are available and how to use them.
 
Rainy said:
what do you do copy and paste the contents to the windows folder?
Click to expand...

As you mentioned he dos'nt have the cd, it may be on his HD ( do a
search ) put i386 onto a CD, you can do lots of repairs, here are 2
ways.

===================================

Reinstall WindowsXP and keep all your current installed applications
and settings:
Put your XP cd in the drive.
If " D " is your CD rom drive.
D:\I386\winnt32 /unattend ( copy & paste that command into the RUN box,
then press ENTER ) Your computer will do the rest.
Or,
Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt.
Copy & paste > D:\I386\winnt32 /unattend
Press Enter.
If you have i386 ( about 500mb ) on your hard drive, you can replace D:
( if D: is your cd drive ) with the location of it.
If you have SP2 installed, you will need to upgrade the XP CD, this is
done by slipstreaming.
Universal Windows Slipstreaming and Bootable CD Guide
http://www.msfn.org/articles.php?action=show&showarticle=49
http://www.short-media.com/review.php?r=284&p=2
A service pack is a product-specific collection of updates that fix
security, program compatibility and system reliability issues. It also
provides enhancements, administration tools, drivers and additional
components that have been developed since the product's release. In
short, a service pack helps to keep your product current and extends
its functionality.
This guide will describe the easiest way possible to slipstream (also
known as 'Integrate') a Service Pack into Windows 2000, XP or 2003. The
days of typing out command switches, and fiddling with boot sectors and
ISO settings in Nero are long gone, so none of that will be described
here! :-)
To do this, we will only need one program - MSFN's very own popular
nLite created by one of our members nuhi. While nLite is primarily
aimed to remove components to slim down a Windows CD, it has the
required tools to do just an automated Service Pack slipstream as well
as create a CD image.
http://www.nliteos.com/
Prerequisites:
A Windows 2000, XP, or 2003 CD
The latest "Network Install" Service Pack for one of the above
Operating Systems
Suitable CD Burning software capable of burning .ISO files (Nero,
Alcohol, Easy CD Creator, etc.)
nLite
Before we start, make sure you are doing this on an NT Operating System
(those are Windows 2000, XP or 2003) otherwise the slipstream will not
work. nLite also requires the .NET Framework to function.

==============================================

Boot off of a clean Windows XP cd ( your bios has to be set to boot
from cd rom 1st ) choose Install ( Not > To Repair a Windows XP
installation using Recovery Console, press R ) at the first prompt.
It will then search for a previous copy of Windows.
When it finds your copy, it will stop at the next prompt and ask if you
want to do a repair. Hit R at this screen.
If it does'nt mention a repair > DO NOT continue.
It will then copy a lot of files and appear to be doing a reinstall (
But its not. All your programs and data are safe, all you will lose,
are your Windows updates )
 
Borrow a CD that is the same as what is on the computer now.

Type in F:\WinXPSP2\I386\winnt32.exe /cmdcons in the start/run box.

Adjust the path to winnt32.exe accordingly.


Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
(For email, remove the obvious from my address)

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!
 
Actually if you read what she wrote she is not sure what he's got. Even you
have to say "almost certain he's got OEM". Are you really saying I shouldn't
cover the bases by giving her all the info she needs. I should assume OEM.
 
My son does not have a pirated version of XP..I just love people who jump in
with no help just to make comments like this... amazing!!!

Ken Blake said:
message

Rainy says "he bought the computer with windows xp already installed" That
almost certainly means it's OEM.
Click to expand...

Or it is pirated.
 
If the computer was bought used with no CD and not OEM, there is a high
probability it is pirated.
2nd hand computers are sold far to often with pirated Windows, almost always
without the buyers knowledge.
But for now there are insufficient facts posted by you to come to any
conclusion about this computer.

If your son bought the computer new with Windows installed, it is OEM and
legitimate as long as the source is legitimate.
Check the manual and/or contact the manufacturer for repair options.
Some OEMs provide few options with the only option often being a Clean
Installation.
Sometimes the OEM can provide a replacement CD.

If Windows XP is retail, Microsoft may be able to replace the CD:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=326246
 
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