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

Comment from Tom on 2009-10-21

2009-10-21T14:20:12Z

Dear Leo and Dear all,

Many thanks for this information.
I would like to create a bootable XP Pro SP3 CD.
I do not have any installation CD at the moment.

I have :
- a pre-installed XP Pro SP2, with legal licence, with no I386 directory, on a computer that has a CD burner
- a pre-installed XP Home SP3, with legal licence, with a I386 directory, on a netbook that does not have a CD burner.

Is it possible ?

Looking forward to your help and wishing you a very nice day,
Tom

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Comment from emfederin on 2009-10-13

2009-10-13T17:50:49Z

DIVERSE says "I have the correct cd, so I could just use that, but it just keeps saying it is the wrong cd but I am certain that it is not. It won't accept the cd and it won't let me select the folder, so I'm stuck"

Welcome to Windows' Wonderful World of "Automatic Updates". At some point between the time you got your machine and the time you tried restoring it, Windows probably installed a service pack or two for you. Wasn't that nice of them? ;-)

Unfortunately, that rendered your old install CD almost useless, since you now have a different version of XP on your system than you have on the CD.

You can try a few things:
1) Roll back your system to the earliest restore point, reboot and try your CD again.
2) Uninstall any service packs in reverse order using "add/remove programs", rebooting each time, and try using your CD again. Do this one service pack at a time until your system matches your CD.
3) Try Leo's trick of burning the i386 directory on your system to a CD, and using that CD instead of your install CD.

*HOWEVER*, since you already have your install CD, the above may all be moot, anyway. Just boot your system off it and either reinstall or attempt a system restore.

If your system doesn't permit booting off a CD, then boot into XP, find your cdrom (which holds your setup CD), go into the i386 folder of the cdrom, find WINNT32.EXE and doubleclick on it. Then follow the instructions on the popup.

IN ANY CASE: Back up and save anything and everything you don't want to lose, because these reinstall methods wipe everything out.

You can save the stuff you want by burning it to CD, copying it to a different drive, or copying it off to another networked computer.

And if all else fails, there are other methods of backups and restores, but they aren't for the inexperienced or the faint of heart. For these, you should find a friendly neighborhood geek. We can be hard to find, I know. We're almost indistinguishable from real people, but we're out here. ;-)

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Comment from Diverse on 2009-09-19

2009-09-19T23:46:39Z

I, too, only have retry, more information, and cancel as an option. I have found the correct folder, but I have no way of telling the program which file it is since retry just keeps asking for the cd. I have the correct cd, so I could just use that, but it just keeps saying it is the wrong cd but I am certain that it is not. It won't accept the cd and it won't let me select the folder, so I'm stuck.

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Comment from Rob on 2009-09-17

2009-09-17T19:05:26Z

My computer got the unmountable_boot_volume the other day and I need a Windows XP CD to repair it.
Would I need one of my own? or I will I be able to use another persons CD?

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Comment from Nick Crew on 2009-09-14

2009-09-14T20:53:39Z

Hi Leo, My computer (not this one) goes to boot up but stops when the intel inside logo appears on the screen. What do i need to do to fix this problem?.

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Comment from Oscar efigenio on 2009-09-07

2009-09-07T20:39:49Z

Can I install windows xp, with the serial that appears on the side of my computer, only if I borrow a instalation xp cd, I am not using my Pc because one of my restore CDs is broken,is it true that serial that is attach to my Pc will work to activate windows xp again, I know I don't care about the programs that my computer came with, I just want to be able to update windows,thanks for your help

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Comment from Attitus on 2009-07-23

2009-07-23T09:36:33Z

Thanks for the advice Leo but I was wondering where did the winnt.exe and winnt32.exe went. They weren't present in the I386 folder. Please do help me. Thank you.

They're not required and may never have been there. It's all up to the OEM who set up your machine.

- Leo
23-Jul-2009

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Comment from Dave on 2009-07-09

2009-07-10T06:54:25Z

Any other installation CD of the same version (Home, Pro etc) will work with your license. Find a friend and borrow their CD to install then use your license. Or find a friendly computer shop who will do it for you. This is perfictly legal as it's the license that is registered not the CD. -Dave

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Comment from Bill Shenton on 2009-07-09

2009-07-10T00:02:41Z

XP INSTALLATION CD AVAILABILITY SIMPLIFIED The cd itself is worthless, and useless, without a license key, so if you find a friendly tech, he will make you one for the cost of 5 mins + a cd, as he will have an original of any OS.
Regards Bill

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Comment from Richard on 2009-07-08

2009-07-08T19:46:59Z

currently you can still purchase an OEM XP-Pro SP3
"for distribution only with a New PC" CD
from major online retailers like TigerDirect, providing you purchase some other hardware component to meet the MS requirement ie a new HDD and the CD qualifies, and sometimes the OEM CD will work with your current COA Key sticker on the PC

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Comment from Brad D on 2009-07-08

2009-07-08T07:24:39Z

Actually, you can get a replacement CD/DVD for Windows from Microsoft (This is not for XP but for Vista in my case) but it takes a lot of work. They pass you around like a rag doll and it takes many hours on the phone over the course of many days. The key is getting the right person who can approve your request. Again, it's a lot or hard phone work.

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Comment from Rob White on 2009-07-07

2009-07-07T16:10:20Z

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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Comment from Les on 2009-07-06

2009-07-06T14:51:51Z

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

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Comment from andy on 2009-07-03

2009-07-03T21:14:23Z

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..

This is exactly the scenario that I've been warning people about. I know of no way to get you a CD, other than contacting the place you purchased your computer from and hoping they make one available. Microsoft does not make CDs available for this scenario, for many reasons. Your only other Windows alternative is to go out and buy one.

- Leo
04-Jul-2009

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Comment from john on 2009-05-17

2009-05-17T13:02:47Z

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.

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Comment from Jeremiah on 2009-05-13

2009-05-13T18:31:02Z

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?!

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Comment from Daniel on 2009-05-13

2009-05-13T18:14:19Z

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!

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Comment from John on 2009-05-01

2009-05-01T09:22:00Z

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!

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Comment from Dave on 2009-05-01

2009-05-01T08:20:19Z

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?

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Comment from SimonB on 2009-04-23

2009-04-23T08:40:38Z

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.

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Comment from Bernie on 2009-04-19

2009-04-19T13:05:00Z

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!

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Comment from Fred Farner on 2009-04-15

2009-04-15T16:57:49Z

I'm trying to create a bootable Windows Setup CD, using the instructions at:
http://www.howtohaven.com/system/createwindowssetupdisk.shtml

My Dell laptop didn't come with a Windows CD, so I'd really like to have one, in case a system file is corrupted (which happened to me recently). My problem is that the I386 directory is almost 1 Gig in size, so it won't fit on a CD. I could burn it to a DVD (if I had a blank DVD), but I'd rather have it on a CD anyway. Do you know what files I can delete from the I386 directory to make it fit on a CD?

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Comment from CAROL on 2009-04-14

2009-04-14T17:31:24Z

Hi, my pc warranty is expired, I can`t start my pc,won`t let me start in safe mode, or restore to factory settings. I read somewhere that re-installing windows XP may fix the problem but I have no cd, no money to get an expert either, is there anything I can do?

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Comment from Steve Kanne on 2009-04-13

2009-04-14T01:54:20Z

Another related question. I'm want to buy a refurbished IBM laptop. It doesn't come with a Windows XP Pro reinstallation disk. Instead, its specs state the following: "Windows XP Professional Restore Partition on Hard Drive". Do you think that the partition has on it whatever is required to reinstall XP if the copy on the laptop goes south on me?

Maybe. There's no standard, so I can't really say. However ... if the hard drive goes bad, all partitions could be lost, including that recovery partition. That's why I harp on always having original installation media.

- Leo
14-Apr-2009

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Comment from Sameh Khan on 2009-04-13

2009-04-13T17:39:07Z

So, basically, I can direct windows to the 1386 folder when it asks me to insert the disk...

But if I want to run a full reinstallation of windows, there's no way to get this folder onto a CD-R or to run the reinstallation from within windows itself?

the only images I know how to burn are .ISO

is a folder able to burnt and then booted?

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Comment from James on 2009-04-06

2009-04-06T14:55:06Z

It's ridiculous. My e-machines computer had an app for printing a CD for restoration purposes; the trouble is that the resulting CD failed.

I called their tech support and bought one, then solved the problem without it. I am very glad I got the disk because the NEXT time I had a major problem, my free tech support had lapsed.

If you don't have a restore CD, call the manufacturer and buy one.

A restore disk is frequently not enough. Make sure to get an installation disk, complete with a full copy of Windows, to be safe.

- Leo
07-Apr-2009

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Comment from PA on 2009-03-14

2009-03-14T14:56:18Z

Leo,

Thanks for your help. After hours of searching for answers I finaly ran into your site and solutions. The winnt32 was the file I was looking for when wanting to re-instal my copy of XP.

Great work!
PA

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Comment from Richard Pryce on 2009-02-21

2009-02-21T12:46:28Z

I have bought a refurbished ibm x24 laptop with a legitimate product key but xp pro was not installed. i do not have a disk from the firm. What type of disk will work? A friend has a genuine advantage disk he used to get a legal version of windows...would that disk work for me if I use my legal licence?
hope you can help as stumped at the moment!

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Comment from ren miao on 2009-01-15

2009-01-16T06:07:56Z

check this site:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic43051.html
for changing windows setup source path to where you have i386 directory saved.

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Comment from Julie Fainuu on 2008-12-22

2008-12-23T01:56:32Z

I dont have a restore disk for my emachine. Can I download the cd on-line? Please help.

You'll have to contact your computer's manufacturer.

- Leo
23-Dec-2008

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Comment from Rondi Phillips on 2008-09-22

2008-09-22T18:24:34Z

It seems to me that selling computers and hardware without the discs is shady business practice. We had to reformat my computer and had to wait for days to get copies of the discs. So I was without a computer while waiting. Having the discs would have expedited getting the computer fixed a lot faster. Also, why don't computer manufacturers offer free hands-on fixing of the computer as part of purchasing it? Many people would be pretty desperate if they had to resort to bringing their computer in. The company that would come up with that carrot would be a successful company indeed! I would definitely buy a computer from that business! I so appreciate your website, but I don't get a lot of it. I don't know how you know all that stuff, either. I am willing to do some basic things for my computer, but I am not a computer techie any more than I am an electrician and would try to rewire my house.

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Comment from Leland on 2008-07-27

2008-07-28T00:31:37Z

I got an imagine copy of windows on my computer and still have the key code. what im not understanding is how do i reformat my HDD and reinstalle windows XP. I dont know a lot about computers but from my understand all will be erased off the HDD to include this imagine copy of windows and then im sitting here with a key code but no way to down load it. Am I wrong or is there another way to get around having a key code and no cd and need to reformat the HDD?

thank you
Leland

Exactly. You can't. Unless you have a Windows Setup CD you cannot reformat and reinstall. That's why I keep saying you need to insist on getting one from your computer vendor.

-Leo

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Comment from Dave on 2008-07-25

2008-07-26T04:35:52Z

Why doesn't Microsoft (or PC manufacturers) provide free full version Windows downloads to assist with the cheapness of these new laptop makers not including an install disk with the sale of a new laptop? They can keep the key because the product key is included with the laptop anyway. It might behove them to let customers use a free version for 30 days before buying anyway, like a beta version. And if you have the qualifying key to unlock it, whats the harm?

Because many laptop and other manufacturers actually have slightly customized versions of the OS. And even though it's all key based, I think they thinking is that a download would increase piracy anyway.

-Leo

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Comment from Leo on 2008-06-29

2008-06-30T00:08:21Z

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Even though it discusses the I386 folder, I believe that
this article applies:
http://ask-leo.com/how_do_i_tell_windows_where_my_i386_folder_has_moved.html

Leo

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Comment from Andrew on 2008-06-29

2008-06-29T19:42:11Z

I'll report what Doris asked earlier...

"I also only have the three options, retry, more info, cancel (no OK button). When I hit retry it asks for the CD again. When I hit cancel a message box says do you want to do this, etc. If I say no it goes back to the original three options. If I say yes it moves along to the next error with no option to give the path for the i386 folder. After going through this with all the errors I thought it might ask for the path before shutting down but NO.
Any help you could give me here would be greatly appreciated.
Your site is a God-send. Keep up the good work!"

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Comment from Mark S on 2008-06-08

2008-06-08T19:49:15Z

You said:

>>>ypically the "Insert CD" message has only an OK and Cancel button. Press OK, allowing it to fail. The next dialog will typically ask you to provide the location of the CD-ROM; just type in the full path of the I386 directory you discovered above. MORE INFORMATION tells you the reason your cd isn't there is that it isn't there (groan) or your cd drive isn't working. Remarkably helpful, that!

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Comment from Leo A. Notenboom on 2008-02-06

2008-02-07T03:14:46Z

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

I'm surprised that Dell didn't give you at least a restore
disk, though that wouldn't work in this case anyway.

Yes, you need get a Windows XP Installation disk somehow.
Purchasing one seems like the best approach. (In the future,
I strongly recommend making sure that when you purchase a
new PC that you insist it comes with a Windows Installation
CD - which is very different than a restore CD.)

Good luck.

Leo

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Comment from Pat McGinnis on 2008-02-06

2008-02-06T16:58:11Z

I have created a monster.
I simply wished to do a system restore on my Dell Dimension 1100. The error codes that came up and other information I had been given led me to believe that my hard drive had gone south. I replaced my hard drive. Now I have the "No OS Found" and am asked to insert the OS set-up disk. Nothing I do seems to work. Dell will not speak to me because I do not have the extended warranty, and they did not provide any kind of restore disk ..... Please advise me of my options. Do I have to purchase a XP CD to get it going again or what?

Thank You for your time, Pat

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Comment from Robert Mayhew on 2008-01-24

2008-01-25T00:52:42Z

Not to worry, it's actually pretty simple. Typically the "Insert CD" message has only an OK and Cancel button. Press OK, allowing it to fail. The next dialog will typically ask you to provide the location of the CD-ROM; just type in the full path of the I386 directory you discovered above.

Not true , I did all above and it did not ask for the location of the CD-ROM

thank you, Bob

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Comment from Greg Tamnel on 2007-12-10

2007-12-10T22:29:46Z

I just got a brand new computer, custom built. It didn't include a CD, but I thought nothing of it. Now I find out that to add a language pack I need that I do in fact need the disc. The hard drive's got nothing.

I don't have very much money, so getting a new copy is out. Is there anything else I can do? I've thought about asking the people who built my rig to send me the disc, but they're 600 miles from where I am (I bought it on a trip) and that might be a problem...

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Comment from Manus Hand on 2007-12-05

2007-12-06T05:16:26Z

Just to follow my own post, I did read all of the comments here, and someone said that if you set HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup\SourcePath to the parent of the i386 directory (which is C:\ in my case), then SFC will know where to look and not bother me asking for a CD. Well, I looked in the registry, and my SourcePath is already set as C:\, and like I say, SFC bothers me with needing the disk. I also read that others say you can burn the i386 folder to a CD and it'll make SFC happy, but another poster said what I fear I would find which is "what if it wants (as mine does) disk 2?", and I didn't see anyone have a response to that question. So, Leo, let me know please if you can clue me on on what to do from here. Thanks!

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Comment from Manus Hand on 2007-12-05

2007-12-06T05:01:44Z

I have the same issue as tamba (above). sfc scans my computer and tells me that it needs the CD, but all I get are retry, moe info, or cancel. Even though I have a nice \i386 directory, it doesn't let me point at it, and so all I can do is cancel. It asks me the same question about ten times before SFC just gives up and shuts down.

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Comment from Prem on 2007-11-20

2007-11-20T12:22:27Z

You can order a replacement CD from Microsoft, without buying the whole package. You'd probably pay a small fee plus shipping. Have all the information regarding your computer, including your product key, before you call.

If you are calling from the United States, contact the Microsoft Order Desk at the following phone number:
(800) 360-7561, Monday through Friday, 5:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Pacific time.
If you are calling from Canada, contact the Canadian Order Desk at the following number:
(800) 933-4750, Monday through Friday, 5:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Pacific time.

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Comment from Leo A. Notenboom on 2007-07-20

2007-07-20T18:31:35Z

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

What. You'll need to contact the manufacturer from which you originally got
that disk.

Leo

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/NmFjR2ElRVYXGN2tTymit0=
=2c08
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Comment from Hajrullah on 2007-07-20

2007-07-20T16:08:31Z

My Recovery cd-rom is demage can I download from internet or what? thankyou for help

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Comment from David Bruce on 2007-04-12

2007-04-13T03:41:52Z

About sfc with no cd. I have run into a problem with this that makes no sense to me at all. 1. I do have the cd, but when prompted for it the system doesn't recongnize it and I get some goofy cd label in my computer, not the windows logo with the cd Windows version title like I normally see. But the auto start does run and and I can read the contents. 2. I have the I386 directory copied to the hard drive in the root of c: and 3. I'm not getting the option to browse for a path to the setup files. and 4. I'm being prompted also for a service pack 1 cd with no option for browsing to it either. Is there a command line or registery solution to tell windows where these files are located?
Thanks in advance,
David

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Comment from Leo Notenboom on 2007-03-29

2007-03-30T02:12:57Z

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

You need a product key. It's not on the CD, it was on the packaging that the CD
was in. This article has more:
http://ask-leo.com/how_do_i_find_the_windows_cd_key_from_the_cd.html

Leo
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4XxEdnD8Z7htcxKgBLimxSw=
=HHU4
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Comment from Ryan on 2007-03-29

2007-03-29T19:21:10Z

i have got the windows xp disc but i do not no what the 25 number code is all it says on the disc is P/N mw879 .....I do not have the original case because it was snapped. I rely need to use my disc..can you help

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Comment from Justin on 2007-03-09

2007-03-10T04:09:57Z

I have a hp desktop and I recently bought and used the wipe drive program. I did not realize that it would delete absolutely everything including windows xp. now I can only access a screen that tells me to insert the drive installation cd. I can't find the reboot cd that came with the computer. If I can find another windows xp installation cd where would my key be located?

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Comment from Leo Notenboom on 2007-02-12

2007-02-13T06:05:11Z

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

It's possible, but not easy if you're not familiar with the tools.

You'll need to find or create some kind of boot floppy (bootdisk.com would
be a place to start) that when booted, recognizes the CD-ROM drive. If
you can do that, you can run setup.exe or winnt.exe from the I386 files.

And that's all *if* the I386 has what we hope it has - a full copy of
the original installation files.

Yet another reason I always insist on getting the Windows CD from the
manifacturer to start with.

Good luck....

Leo
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LD/l409Mtrw203l3RQe7dGw=
=DLjV
-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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Comment from Adam on 2007-02-12

2007-02-12T20:32:59Z

Hi.
I was never given a copy of my CD, and now the retailed refuses to send me one. I want to reinstall windows. I have a copy of the i386 folder that I put onto CD, but will that do it?

Do i need to just buy another CD?

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Comment from Leo Notenboom on 2007-02-12

2007-02-12T18:24:46Z

No.

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Comment from fanboy on 2007-02-11

2007-02-12T04:15:38Z

I will be changing my Mobo/CPU soon and will have to reformat. Would the I386 folder allow me to create a cd to reforamt and install windows?

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Comment from Leo Notenboom on 2007-01-31

2007-02-01T07:09:50Z

A recovery disk is not enough. You need an install disk.

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Comment from Carlos McGregor on 2007-01-31

2007-02-01T07:03:29Z

Leo: what if I wanna completely re-format my Hard Drive and re-install windows without all the extra stuff the manufacturer put in the automatic recovery disk? Can extract Windows XP from it?

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Comment from Leo Notenboom on 2007-01-07

2007-01-08T01:03:16Z

Very little, I'm afraid. You'll have to get a CD, or perhaps switch to another operating system.

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Comment from Marie on 2007-01-07

2007-01-08T00:57:59Z

I'm trying to reinstall windows XP on my sisters computer. I can't get her computer online, and she is missing a number of drivers and updates to play sound and dvd's. What can i do if I do not have an installation cd?

thank you,
Marie

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Comment from Jimmy Prince on 2006-12-20

2006-12-20T08:03:51Z

peter if you have the recovery discs they will work to completly install your windows xp home edition on a hp computer my pc crashed and the company sent me recovery discs free of charge. i used the recovery discs to completly reinstall the OS on 3 new harddrives already. as long as its a hp computer and a hp revocery disc it will work... i dont know how old this artical is but it is guarenteed to work

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Comment from Petter Dahle on 2006-11-03

2006-11-03T17:23:54Z

Thanks a lot! Got me going right away. Fantastic!

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Comment from Leo Notenboom on 2006-10-30

2006-10-30T17:14:42Z

Patrick: if you have a legal key, you can borrow a CD.

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Comment from Patrick on 2006-10-27

2006-10-28T06:04:02Z

Is there anyway to put my old legit version of xp on a new hardrive.. without having the initial hard drive? my main drive has just failed, I do not have a cd. the computer was bought from a manufacturer. I believe i still have the key, but no install disk. Do I need to buy a new os?

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Comment from glorya on 2006-10-23

2006-10-23T14:39:53Z

Definitely I typed in the "number 1" ... thank you. After putting in the capital "I" the files came up and there were quite a few, many pertaining to "reinstall" though I don't remember reinstalling. But then, I don't recall what I ate for breakfast many a day :-)

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Comment from Leo Notenboom on 2006-10-21

2006-10-21T17:52:25Z

Looks like you typed in 1386 in the comment here - it's I386 - that's the letter "I" followed by 386.

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Comment from glorya on 2006-10-21

2006-10-21T17:50:22Z

I put 1386 in my "search" and it came up empty though I saw as it was searching C:\1386. I know it is on my PC but I can't bring it up using the search tool. I can, however, bring up both winnt.exe and winnt32.exe. Would there be an explanation for this?

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Comment from Leo Notenboom on 2006-10-06

2006-10-07T02:35:48Z

Usually it pops up after you hit cancel.

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Comment from Jamie on 2006-10-06

2006-10-06T23:10:42Z

my "insert cd" message only has re-try and cancel. i have no option to type the path to i386. now what? (:

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Comment from Leo A. Notenboom on 2006-10-01

2006-10-01T16:03:13Z

You can't. You need to get a CD.

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Comment from stephanie on 2006-10-01

2006-10-01T10:51:46Z

so this is a helpfull explanation except for the fact that it doesn't explain what to do if you don't have the cd image on your computer. my computer was given to me by my school and it doesn't have a cd or the cd image. how can i get arround this?

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Comment from Matt on 2006-08-25

2006-08-26T06:03:28Z

I have the XP sp2 installation CD and when Windows file protection asks for it I insert the CD. WFP then copies one file and the asks for the CD again and will not copy anymore files until I eject and reinsert the CD. I copied the I386 folder to C:/ and changed the source paths in the usual registry keys and WFP still asks for the CD. There is nothing in the WFP dialog box asking for the CD that allows one to change the directory. Clicking "retry" changes nothing. I used "cleanhandlers" to fix any corruption of handlers, the drive letter is right as I said it copies one file or as many times as I care to eject and reinsert the CD. I used msconfig to copy the sfc.exe, sfc_os.dll and sfc.dll to the system32 folder with no change. I have also tried from the cmd prompt, purge, revert, scanonce, etc... other than that the system appears to be running smooth.

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Comment from Leo Notenboom on 2006-08-24

2006-08-24T16:18:22Z

That would not be legal. You'll need to purchase one.

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Comment from raghvendra on 2006-08-24

2006-08-24T07:59:58Z

I want a windows XP CD-ROM for free
my address is
[personal information removed]

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Comment from gob iron on 2006-07-06

2006-07-06T22:32:54Z

manufacturers/retailers normally only supply i386 when they don't supply the disc. If you are prompted to enter the setup disk and you know the path to i386 but windows won't let you enter the path then you will need to amend the registry.
From http://support.microsoft.com/kb/222473/EN-US/
"NOTE: The Windows 2000 source files location information is stored in the following registry location and can be modified to point to the drive letter of a volume that has an I386 flat folder of the installation files or change the SourcePath value in the registry to point to a Universal Naming Convention (UNC) path instead of a mapped network drive.

The SourcePath value is located in the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup
Example:

If the I386 directory is at C:\I386, the SourcePath value would be C:\.

If the I386 directory is at \\Servera\w2kflat\I386, the SourcePath value would be \\Servera\W2KFlat.

After you restart the computer, WFP and SFC /SCANNOW uses the new source path instead of prompting for the Windows 2000 installation CD-ROM."

Good luck and keep on tooting.

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Comment from Leo on 2006-05-22

2006-05-22T23:16:11Z

I believe you'll need to purchase a copy.

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Comment from andy on 2006-05-21

2006-05-21T15:24:01Z

my hard drive is cleared and i have no setup CD for windows XP pro SP2 and i need to install windows XP pro SP2, i have the 6 floppy boot discs but i dont have the actual CD to continue the install. I cant look for winnt32.exe because i dont have an operating system installed on my computer. what do i do?

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Comment from Leo on 2006-04-16

2006-04-17T05:26:15Z

You need an installation CD.

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Comment from dazed_maunder on 2006-04-14

2006-04-14T20:03:54Z

i was wundering how i can reset my windows xp home to the brand new factory settings.i have no windows instillation disc or recovery discs,all i want to do is remove everything on the hard drive other than what came with the windows xp when it was new.please help me on this

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Comment from richard sugden on 2006-04-09

2006-04-10T00:23:27Z

Thanks Jonathan. I copied the I386 file to CD as well and sfc /scannow works fine now. Cheers!

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Comment from William Gates on 2006-04-03

2006-04-04T05:39:01Z

Tough luck, you guys. Why not BUY a CD at the store. I really could use the money!

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Comment from jonathan Myers on 2006-02-24

2006-02-24T21:35:53Z

I had the same issue as Donley. I copied the entire I386 folder to a CD and that solved the issue. The SFC is running as I type and is working correctly.

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Comment from Donley Jacobson on 2006-02-20

2006-02-20T21:58:11Z

Concerning the lack of an installation CD for Windows XP Home Edition. I have a system purchased last July; Windows XP Home Edition was installed in a special 'recovery' partition. There were no CDs provided, and the CDs that the user was requested to make did not fit your criteria. There is, however, a I386 partition on my hard drive with the requisite .dll files.

I tried running the System File Checker that you mentioned in your article of 2/28/04, and I indeed got the request to insert my Windows installation CD. The message box had three buttons: Retry, More Information, and Cancel. Starting from the end: Cancel ended the SFC scan right now; no ifs, ands, or buts.

More Information provided another message window indicating that the Windows Installation CD was needed to provide the data needed to recover a (potentially errored) system file. The only button was OK which brought one back to the Retry, More Information, Cancel message.

Retry cycled back to itself. Apparently, if one does not have the appropriate CD in the drive, this is the default result.

So the question still remains - how does one respond to Windows request for an Installation CD when one has never received it. Is there a work-around?

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Comment from Hugh on 2006-02-10

2006-02-11T02:49:52Z

Download and fry a Kanotix cd (free download at www.kanotix.org) - boot your machine with this and it will run a complete operating system, including masses of programs. You can use this to rescue any files, data etc. on your harddrive. It won't write anything on your harddrive unless you enable writing. You can use it like any other windows system. If you like it you might consider installing it (you don't have to, you can keep running it from the cd if you prefer). It usually takes about 10 - 15 minutes to do a full install including all the additional programs. It is absolutely free if charge. If you restore your XP it is still worth keeping as an emergency rescue disk.

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Comment from Oma Pena on 2006-02-06

2006-02-06T10:02:06Z

Hello folks. I was able to get past the defective part of my recovery disk by repartitioning my hardisk. This in turn made the bad sector I guess get skiped. Thanks for all those who read my post and started to think about it.

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Comment from omar pena on 2006-02-05

2006-02-06T03:25:04Z

I am trying to recover my windows laptop. I have the recovery disk but the first one seems corrupt. I found the i386 directory on the third disk after using the 6 disk set to boot. After looking in the I386 directory I found that there is no winnt.exe or winnt32.exe. I was wondering if it was possible to just download that file? Will it work if I find one and burn a new disk with the I386 directory and just put in the winnt.exe file before I burn it and try to use it.

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Comment from gman retired on 2006-01-20

2006-01-21T03:23:59Z

simply to to www.majorgeeks.con & enter in one of the two search engines for the web site you'll find on the far left of the page somewhere's? around min page & enter in to the search "Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder v1.4" which is a legit & safe software no hackware that'll simply show you your cd key & or allow you to change your key rather simply & easily. THEN PLEASE FILE IT SOMEWHERE'S BESIDES A DESK-TOP OR? TRY A FILE CADINET FOR ONE. sO YOU'LL HAVE IT WHEN NEED NEXT ANOTHER WAY OF SECURING THIS KEY IS TO SIMPLY CLEAR TAPE IT TO YOUR PC'S BOX! OR CASE! WITH A "DO NOT REMOVE NOTTICE"

THANK'S I COULD HELP YOU IN THE MATTER.

GMAN

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Comment from Leo on 2005-12-07

2005-12-08T06:54:11Z

Leisa: you should go back to the computer store and get the CD that corresponds to the operating system that they installed. Sadly, they may charge for it, though in my opinion they should not.

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Comment from Leisa Miles on 2005-11-30

2005-12-01T05:39:39Z

Hi
My sister bought her computer from a legal retail store and never received any disks. Now the computer won't work, it displays the following message:

Window could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt
\windows\system32\config\system
You can attempt to repair this file by starting windows setup using the orginal set up cd-rom
Select 'r' at the first screen to start repair.

So what can she do? She has no "original set up cd-rom". Does she have to take it to a computer place to be fixed or go out and re buy the product? Is there any other way? It is Windows XP operating system.

Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

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Comment from Leo on 2005-11-28

2005-11-29T00:26:16Z

The steps for rebuilding from the I386 directory are fairly lengthy. It's on my to-do list, but I'm not sure when I'll get to it. I *really* recommend getting the CD from your computer's manufacturer.

You should also check to see if you even HAVE the I386 directory. The easiest way is Start -> Run and then type in "C:\I386" and press OK. If it opens Windows Explorer with a looooong list of files, you have it. If it gives you an error, you do not, and now REALLY need to get a Windows CD.

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Comment from Dennis Ordiway on 2005-11-28

2005-11-28T18:16:05Z

First off, you run a great service compared to all those other sites that charge you an arm and a leg.

My question is: I have read all your articles. I am a lamen terms kind of guy, If I have step by step instructions, im good to go lol. I have no restore disc or even my winxp os disc. I want to clean and erase everything from my pc, to have it back to when i first bought it. I know you mention the famous "I386" folder alot... So from when I first turn on my pc and start it up, how do i proceed to restore to brand new without any disc?

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Comment from Travis on 2005-11-26

2005-11-27T03:36:33Z

Hi Leo,
I am restoring a Compaq Presario 2100, to be able to sell it, i retreived the CD Key and the I386 files but i'm not quite sure i understand how to boot from this CD? i tried using another Windows XP CD and when i changed cd's after it was done booting it said D:\I386\ams (i believe was the error) not found. and it had to shut down. Is there anything i should do, the harddrive is complelty wiped but i pulled the I386 and SW_Setup off before it was wipped.

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Comment from Leo on 2005-11-15

2005-11-16T04:36:51Z

I believe so.

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Comment from Cathy on 2005-11-15

2005-11-15T20:54:36Z

Greetings,
I purchased a used Dell with XP Home installed and a vaild COA but no disks. No winnt.exe etc. files on the machine. However, I do have a copy of XP Home upgrade version that I used on another computer. If the need arises to reinstall XP on the used Dell, can I use the upgrade version and the COA?

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Comment from Leo on 2005-11-09

2005-11-10T03:29:24Z

I'd recommend getting the CD drive repaired.

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Comment from Sam on 2005-11-06

2005-11-06T22:32:12Z

Hi Leo,
I have Windows XP and dont have the CD. I just want to reboot my computer so that it is like the day that I bought it. The problem is the CD rom drive on my laptop does not work anymore.So how can I do this without having to use a system recovery disk? Thanks

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Comment from SY on 2005-10-31

2005-11-01T01:52:33Z

I have a laptop that has interchangeable floppy and cd rom drives. when using the 6 disk boot floppys it says it can not find the cd rom drive - (that's because I need to swap the floppy and cd)

How do I get xp installed? Help

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Comment from Leo on 2005-09-22

2005-09-23T04:53:09Z

Boot from your Windows Install disk, and select a clean, new install, and have it format the hard disk. Remember: you will lose everything that you have on your hard disk now. You're starting over.

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Comment from Luki on 2005-09-21

2005-09-21T17:40:32Z

How do i restore my computer to factory settings, i have the rebot disc and everything, i just want to reset it?

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Comment from Leo on 2005-09-04

2005-09-04T22:59:36Z

In a nutshell: burn the entire contents of the I386 directory and subdirectories to a CD-ROM. Get, find or make a floppy disk or CD that you can boot from that will also "see" the CD-ROM drive. Once you boot from that, run either WINNT.exe, WINNT32.exe or SETUP.exe (depending on which works, and is present) from that CD-ROM you burned.

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Comment from Keenan on 2005-09-03

2005-09-04T04:29:36Z

Hello Leo,

My dad has an HP computer he purchased 2 years ago, and it didn't come with an install cd. The i386 folder is there, but he needs to have the computer formatted. I was wondering if there is a way to reinstall windows (the option where it formats a drive, then starts you off new) with the i386 one, or if he needs to buy a cd. There are so many problems with this computer, a format is the only way to go. Thanks in advance.

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Comment from Leo on 2005-08-20

2005-08-20T23:14:00Z

No it does not. Only Windows 2000, Windows XP and later versions will usually have this as an option. In your case, you'll need to find a CD.

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Comment from Cathy on 2005-08-20

2005-08-20T21:15:43Z

I have a friend who runs Win 98 on a Gateway. She cannot find a real version of 98 on her disks. Does Win 98 have the same I386 directory as XP?

Thanks,
Cathy

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Comment from Leo on 2005-07-25

2005-07-26T04:46:26Z

Actually there may be a setup.exe in the i386 directory, and you can run that. As long as the other computer is the same manufacturer, you should be able to burn the contents of the I386 directory and run setup, or winnt or winnt32 from it. The only trick is coming up with something to boot from. If you can boot you system into safe more or use the recovery console, that'd be best. Otherwise you'll need to come up with a boot floppy.

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Comment from Masoum on 2005-07-25

2005-07-25T23:23:34Z

hello leo,

i found only one i386 file, which seemed to have about 7000 files, but i couldn't find the 2 you stated in the article. lets say i was able to get those files somehow,(FROM ANOTHER COMPUTER), could i use it on a coputer from a different manufacturer. i have a liscensed version of XP (without the CD, just the c.o.a.), and thought that it might have been easier if i just used someone eles's copy of XP, but then noticed no one else I new had a copy of XP. Can you or anyone one you know please send me a copy of XP to borrow. (i'll pay for shipping). If not, is there any other way i can get my oem version of win XP.

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Comment from Masoum on 2005-07-25

2005-07-25T22:58:00Z

hello,

My computer just crashed and lost it's operating system. I had an oem version of XP on it, but i dont have a CD to re-install it. Can i burn I386 to a CD from another computer (the one iam currently using), then use it to re-install or install XP on my liscened oem copy of WINDOWS XP?(i have c.oa. on my PC)

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Comment from Leo on 2005-05-08

2005-05-08T22:59:02Z

I would borrow a Windows CD, and boot from that. THen you'll be able to run the recovery console. This site has a nice walk-through once you're there: http://www.wown.com/j_helmig/wxprcons.htm

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Comment from miranda on 2005-05-05

2005-05-05T13:47:49Z

Hi I'm trying to get to the recovery console on my laptop as It has experience a 0x000000ED error and keeps rebooting to the dreaded Blue Screen. My Windows XP prof was preinstalled but if I try and start in safe mode or any other option it freezes and restarts again, I have a desktop with XP on too so to acces the Recovery Console on my laptop can I copy the XP Prof onto CD from my desktop then use in my laptop. Help!! Not sure how I can restart my laptop and freaking out a bit, thanks for your help. ( I don't want to Recover as I don't want to lose any data so I'd like to roll back to a previous correct setting on my laptop)

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Comment from Leo on 2005-04-11

2005-04-12T03:34:07Z

If you don't have the I386 directory as described in the article, you'll need to get a CD somehow somewhere.

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Comment from peter on 2005-04-10

2005-04-11T00:13:14Z

Hello!
I would really like to reformat my computer to get some things off that I don't need. the computer didn't come with a windows cd. So how would I reformat if I can?

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Comment from Leo on 2005-04-05

2005-04-06T02:53:56Z

I386 is a directory, not a file. And yes, if you're burning it to CD-ROM, you need to burn everything in that directory and all subdirectories. After you'be burned it to CD-ROM (for safety, if nothing else) you can run winnt.exe from the CD-ROM or directly from the i386 directory.

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Comment from sharon nixon on 2005-04-05

2005-04-05T21:15:35Z

my daughter-n-law has a hp computer that came with xp on it already, and does not have the xp cdrom. i have read your article on how to find this 1386 file, and i have found it, what i want to know n ow, is how to install it? do i copy this file to a disc now? the whole file or just the two of the winnt.exe, winnt32.exe,.. please let me know how to install it from this point. thanks.... a quick response would be great....

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Comment from Leo on 2005-04-03

2005-04-04T03:26:23Z

You can check with HP for current pricing, or look on eBay for bargains.

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Comment from pat on 2005-04-03

2005-04-04T01:40:13Z

I lost my Windows XP CD rom that came with my Hewlett Packard PC package. How much is another CD and where do I get one. I understand i need to get the backup utility from this cd???

thanks

Pat

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Comment from Kavita on 2005-03-17

2005-03-17T19:11:16Z

Hi, I tried to trace the folder (I386) on my computer with a windows XP home edition and also tried a search for the 2 winnt files you had mentioned but could not find it. I do have a windows CD...
My other problem is that my Windows screen hangs just before the blue welcome screen - on the Windows Logo page...It has automatically corrected itself (after a day or so) this has happened thrice now! I was able to use the safe mode by resetting. I was wondering if you could help. Thanks

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Comment from Leo on 2004-10-30

2004-10-31T06:04:31Z

No magic keystrokes that I'm aware of. The only way to reset to initial conditions is to reinstall, and that means having a CD to install from.

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Comment from Jackie on 2004-10-30

2004-10-31T04:58:18Z

I purchased an eMachines T2200 several years ago, and I can't even remember if it came with a recovery disk or not. I believe my computer has a worm or virus, and I want to restore it to it's "prime" condition, or how it was when I purchased it. Is there any other way, like a F- key to press while booting up or something I can do while on the computer? The eMachines website offers no help at all and I can't find anything else about this model online.

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Comment from Rhonda on 2004-08-27

2004-08-27T18:55:14Z

i put CD in then reboot computer it will not read the CD says no info on CD but when i put another CD it will show files on it.Something came up on black screen where its looks like it will boot but doesn't. This is what it says- Pri.Master Disk HDD S.M.A.R.T. Cappability - Disabled.
Just tried rebooting again with CD now it is just a black screen on it nothing showing.

Rhonda

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Comment from Leo on 2004-08-27

2004-08-27T18:19:46Z

Hard to say without knowing more. How is it failing to boot?

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Comment from Rhonda on 2004-08-27

2004-08-27T17:40:08Z

I have a emachines w/ XP i have the resote CD's my problem it want boot up to reformat the computer.It needs to reformatted to restore what has been lost but can't get the CD to work.Please tell me what i can do.

Thanks
Rhonda

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Comment from Leo on 2004-08-02

2004-08-02T18:53:14Z

Depends entirely on what you mean by "fell out". I added some related links to this article ... perhaps one or more of those may help?

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Comment from david hopper on 2004-08-02

2004-08-02T18:37:33Z

i lost my cd for windows xp @ windows fell out of my pc how do i get it back with out it
thanks david

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Comment from casimir on 2004-06-16

2004-06-16T20:29:40Z

Where i will get the Installation CD for Windows XP?

I have problem with startup. Computer is very slow while booting. Some hosts file is missing in explorer.exe file. Iexplorer file also corrupted. Is there any way to solve this problem without formating it.

Thanks & Regards
Casimir

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Comment from Lisa on 2004-06-15

2004-06-15T21:51:33Z

My brother had been having problems with his computer and he wanted to have it clean sweeped and upgraded to XP home edition. So, my b/f did it for him. My b/f took his copy of XP and told him to go out and purchase his own copy so he could put in the product key. Well, my brother never did. What will happen and will it cause the computer to not respond or read disks? please help

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Comment from bq on 2004-05-29

2004-05-29T10:00:32Z

Hi, if you are searching for "howto make Xp installation CD from restore cds" (but actually from factory installation on your notebook's hdd) take a look on http://www.tabletpcbuzz.com/forum/ and serach for "clean install" the compaq forum. it is legal, and you can make your install cd before your notebook crash... -- to be prepared . bye

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Comment from Kau on 2004-05-27

2004-05-27T20:49:58Z

Hey Leo,
I read this article and i was wondering if i can use the I386 file to install xp on a 98se based computer. I want to upgrade my old computer to xp but don't have the xp install disk. I only have the Emachines Recovery disk. How can I install xp by using either the I386 or the Emachines Recovery Disk?

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Comment from Mo on 2004-05-20

2004-05-21T01:44:25Z

The restore ability uses those 8 cds, created using the restore cd creator, and it asks for one at time, in order, and you may not just use one cd... Also, it resets *everything* back to what it was the day of purchase. P.S. noticing above advice, my current setup has pretty much everthing uninstalled, yet what about "just XP" being installed, is there a way. O, and sorry I may believe I am using the wrong thread--- I just saw "I have no CD - how do I get at Windows XP setup? "

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Comment from Leo on 2004-05-20

2004-05-21T01:34:59Z

Normally one of the CDs you get with a machine is only XP. That's not the case here? If so, my approach would be to get "as clean as possible" with the CDs you have, and then before anything else, UNinstall (through control panel add/remove programs) all the applications you don't want.

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Comment from Mo on 2004-05-20

2004-05-20T23:49:32Z

Hi, quite useful. You mentioned doing a clean install of XP, that is what I am searching for. I do not have the WinXP CD, and all HP gives me is 8 recovery cds that restore it to *factory default settings* which includes all the programs I am trying to remove. I need to run the setup for XP and only install core components, thus having a clean system (no preinstalled packages IE musicmatch). Is there any way I can do this. Any help appreciated.

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Comment from DavidC on 2004-05-16

2004-05-16T13:33:43Z

Firstly, the HP Recovery Disks includes the XP installation for your new HDD so simply attach your new HDD and boot with the Recovery Disk# 1 and follow the instructions.

Also a DELL WinXP HE CD can be used on any other PC including a HP. I have personally done it many times. It is just like any XP HE CD and lets you boot with it for installation.
But the main concern is Product Activation. So make sure you use your HP licensed XP CD Key when you are asked to provide the CD Key for activation.
When you do that it will reactivate your XP online without any problems.

I am a PC service Technician and have encountered this problem several times...

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Comment from Leo on 2004-05-05

2004-05-05T17:17:09Z

Usually either "retry", or "cancel" will cause another dialog to come up asking for the path.

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Comment from Rodney on 2004-05-05

2004-05-05T15:27:34Z

I work at a call center and found this article to be usefull on some calls, but I just had a customer that got a box that said " retry, more info, or cancel". There was no "OK" box or place to type in the path.

Rodney Wise
Tier II DSL Tech Support Agent for an undisclosed company

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Comment from Leo on 2004-04-29

2004-04-29T15:56:27Z

This article is all about the WINDOWS CD ... the I386 directory contains the Windows XP files. You need the OFFICE CD, which is where I believe you'll find data1.msi.

Good luck,

Leo

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Comment from Alan on 2004-04-29

2004-04-29T11:26:54Z

Hi Leo

I'm trying to upgrade Office 2000 and have the i386 directory as per this article. I've downloaded Office SP3 and it asks me for the installation CD so I used your instructions and tried browsing i386 BUT it's trying to locate a file called data1.msi which I can't locate. Any suggestions?

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Comment from Leo on 2004-03-07

2004-03-08T06:39:06Z

If both computers have a network adapter, you could setup a link that way. There are pc-to-pc communications products like laplink that will work across a special serial cable. If you have a fast(ish) internet connection you could also ZIP the I386 directory into a single file, upload it somewhere, and then download it to the other machine, expand it, and be on your way.

Leo

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Comment from Andrea on 2004-03-07

2004-03-08T05:08:00Z

i have a xp home liscence that came with pc and i got a bought cd liscence that is software by it self.

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Comment from Andrea on 2004-03-07

2004-03-08T05:04:49Z

Hi, i have a slight problem.
i got 2 pc one is a laptop(nt without cdrom only floppy). the home pc(xp) got i386 folder.laptop deosnt bc i deleted it. can i somehow ftp it to my laptop. and install xp to my laptop that way ?

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Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
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Comment from Leo on 2004-02-12

2004-02-13T01:15:17Z

Normally if you hit on that dialog, it will then follow up with a dialog asking for the location of the files. That's where you would browse to your I386 folder.

Leo

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

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
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Comment from Fearnhead on 2004-02-12

2004-02-12T19:57:11Z

Interesting about what to do if you dont have the Home Edition XP CD. When I run sfc /scannow and get the Windows File Protection prompting me for a CD I do not have an ok. The only option I have are retry more information cancel there is no option to browse to the I386 folder. Is there a way round this ????????

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

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
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Comment from Derek on 2004-02-12

2004-02-12T16:23:20Z

My aunt's computer crashed, and after searching for her gateway win xp home cd for an hour, she found it with a big crack in it. Obviously it didn't work. I tried my msdn version of xp home thinking i could just use her license key, but it wouldn't take it. When I contacted gateway, they told me that if the pc was still under warranty, they'd send me a new cd for free. Since it was no longer under warranty, they said I had to purchase a whole new copy of XP Home for $195!! Am I write in saying that the license was already purchased and paid for when the pc was purchased, so all we should have to pay is maybe a couple of bucks for them to ship a new cd?

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

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
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Comment from Dom on 2004-02-08

2004-02-08T14:57:59Z

The Dell copy of Windows will not work. While it is an actual copy of Windows, during installation it will check your mobo to see if you are installing it on a Dell machine. You can (not legally) install one copy of Dell Windows XP on several Dell machines without incident, but you cannot put it on a Compaq/HP/custom system etc. As far as I know Dell and Gateway are the only two manuf. that include ACTUAL copies of Windows XP and not those ghastly image "recovery--wipe your hard drive out and put the crapware back on your computer" disks.

Wise decision would be to ask the next computer manufacturer that you buy from if they give you an actual copy of windows. If they don't tell them NO THANK YOU!

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

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
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Comment from Peter on 2004-02-04

2004-02-05T05:12:26Z

Is it not so that when you have a license, that means a key, you can get any copy you want as long as you would use your own license key?

Though the OEM counts for something. It might mean that you cannot get a copy from a "full retail" version of XP and use your key on it, as then you might have functionality you or HP didn't pay for.

Secondly it might not have the necessary drivers aboard. If this approach is legal it will most surely get your system going.

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

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
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Comment from Leo on 2004-01-20

2004-01-20T17:45:50Z

Well, the "right" thing to do is to keep slapping HP around - they *should* get you a CD-ROM. I'm actually surprized there wasn't one with the machine (it's often shrink-wrapped with the documentation). There's no "legal" way to get a copy, other than through HP, that I'm aware of. Since you have a DELL disk, absolutely I'd give it a try ... my recollection is that the actualy OS install is not customized much, if at all. Since you have a new hard drive you have little to lose anyway. Assuming you activated the copy of XP on the old hard disk, it might also be worth calling Microsoft to see if they can provide you with something - they might just point you at HP, but nonetheless, it might be worth a shot.

Good luck!

Leo

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

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.

Comment from P Baker on 2004-01-19

2004-01-20T06:06:30Z

bought the prebundled software on HP computer. The hard drive has gone completely capoot. Have new hard drive need xp home cd. Have oem. HP dragging feet on any solutions. Keep sending me the recovery disks. (no os on new hard drive to recover)Where can I get a copy of xp home os without having to buy it? I just need to reinstall it. I have an install disk for a Dell computer. Will that work.

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

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.