trickinikki00 said:
can i download windows xp after i do a complete system restore. My
computer came with windows xp already on it and i dont want to lose it
what should i do. can I back it up?
trickinikki00
You cannot download Windows. Over the last few years, many computer
manufacturers have stopped providing physical operating system CD's or
Restore Disks. Even Dell, which used to be the exception to this
cheapskate practice, no longer provides the XP installation CD unless
you specify physical media when you order the machine. Many of the
large OEM's (Dell, HP, Acer) allow you to create a physical CD to
restore your operating system. When you buy a new computer, be aware of
what process will be used should you need to reinstall Windows and/or
take it back to factory condition. At some point there is a very good
chance you will need to do this, so it is a good idea to make the CD if
your OEM has provided that ability.
If a computer builder sells you a machine with a Microsoft operating
system installed, the builder has the legal obligation to provide a way
for you to restore the computer to factory condition. This obligation
can be fulfilled in any of these ways:
a. With a physical CD of the actual operating system;
b. with a "Recovery Disk" containing an image of the factory
installation;
c. with a Restore Image on a (sometimes hidden) partition on the hard
drive that is accessed by a specific key press at computer startup (F10
for HP's for example).
Refer to the paperwork that came with your computer or the OEM's website
for more specific information about how to reinstall Windows on your
computer.
Malke
