I don't have an installation CD for Windows XP - what if I need one?

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I recieve another message
- can't choose between Ok or cancel but between retry, more information or cancel.
Clicking on it doesn't seem to help, i can't insert the location of the I386-folder.

please help!

Great original article - many thanks to Leo.

Here's a simple suggestion for those who have a PC with a copy of original XP available in a recovery partition.
Before you try and install XP from the recovery partition, use a secure backup s/w package such as Acronis TI Home to take a copy of the whole drive, including the recovery partition.
If you later have a problem, you can then
1) take complete backup of current system
2) restore only the recovery partition
3) wipe your old C: drive
4) re-install XP from scratch from recovery partition
5) recover your own data from your backup of your original C: drive.

I've had to do this myself in the past for an IBM laptop, and it worked a treat.

Having run SFC /SCANNOW on my laptop, it reports that I have some files installed that Windows wants to replace with the originals to maintain stability. Onscreen message is asking for XP Pro SP3 CD but I only have my original XP Pro CD that came with the machine. Any advice please?

Well if you loose your windows recovery cd, there are many options. First look at the CD key on the side of your computer. You can contact your pc manufacturer and they might send you a copy. If not, you can also contact Microsoft. They will sell you one for 20-30 dollars. You can also buy a backup copy online, I found these webpages when searching dell windows recovery disks google: www.oemsoftwaresource.com and www.windowsrecoverydisks.com
Good luck on finding the disks!

Hey leo im understand what your saying but will i need the drivers disc im scared to do this and the wifi not work and all the drivers or will it all be there and ill be okay... please help leo and thanks or anyone else please help!

yeah i was wondering the same as daniel i havne the folder but no winnt.exe or winnt32.exe or anything close what else can i do?!

Sounds like great info if I'm looking to add something but I am currently getting the following error message:

Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt

C:\windows\system32\config\system

You can attempt to repair this file by starting windows setup using the original setup CD-Rom. Select "r" at the first screen to start repair. Do NOT use an OEM "Recovery Disc". Only a valid Windows XP media will work or a disc from the OEM that says "Operating System" may sometimes work depending on how the manufacturer labeled the CD.

What can be done in this case? Is there a way of making the disc on another computer and using it?

Thanks.

Hi, my hard drive completely went so i bought a new one. however, i cant get XP back though because it was saved on the hard drive and i didnt get a CD! is there any other way to get it? would microsoft send me a hard copy? i have the CD key..

Hi

Great advice for when the shop does not give you the XP CD, but I'm afraid I'm getting the same message as the chap below, instead of OK and CANCEL I'm getting Retry, more Information, Cancel, on top of that I'm having terrible trouble finding the winnt.exe files despite doing a wide search.

Would be very grateful for help

Thanks

Les

-----------------------------------

I recieve another message
- can't choose between Ok or cancel but between retry, more information or cancel.
Clicking on it doesn't seem to help, i can't insert the location of the I386-folder.

please help!

Posted by: Bernie at April 19, 2009 6:05 AM

To the people who say they have the CD key but not the actual CD, and want to install XP... Surely all they need to do is borrow a friend's XP and install it using their own key?

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