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

Naveen wrote:
> 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.

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

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.

"Naveen" wrote:

> 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

Naveen <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

>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.

On Jul 26, 5:36*pm, Naveen <Nav...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
> 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.

Naveen wrote:
> 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://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

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

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/com...nced/xppc.mspx

HOW TO get a computer running WinXP Gold (no Service Packs) fully patched
(after a clean install)
http://groups.google.com/group/micro...5afa8ed33e121c

HOW TO get a computer running WinXP SP1(a) or SP2 fully patched (after a
clean install)
http://groups.google.com/group/micro...66ae41add7dd2b

Also see:

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

Rogue Security Software - Microsoft Security:
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/com...ses/rogue.mspx
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002


Naveen wrote:
> 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

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?

--

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP
Windows Desktop Experience


"Naveen" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:BDC40E23-DEBE-4EFE-BFC6-(E-Mail Removed)...
> 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

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/
"Naveen" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:BDC40E23-DEBE-4EFE-BFC6-(E-Mail Removed)...
> 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

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


"Naveen" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message news:BDC40E23-DEBE-4EFE-BFC6-(E-Mail Removed)...
> 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