Pre Installed Windows

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Guest

can anyone help me please. I purchased a computer a few years ago with
preinstalled windows xp. I now want to reformat my hard drive (pc is running
very slow now) but do not know if I need to get hold of a copy of the windows
cd first? if so how do i do it?
 
You will have to buy it, and yes you need it, unless you have either a
restore cd or partition, talk to your provider and see what they provided for
OS restore.
best bet if you can afford it, buy a full retail version $300 or so, Ouch!
 
Bryan said:
can anyone help me please. I purchased a computer a few years ago with
preinstalled windows xp. I now want to reformat my hard drive (pc is running
very slow now) but do not know if I need to get hold of a copy of the windows
cd first? if so how do i do it?
Click to expand...

If you want to reinstall, yes, you need to have something to reinstall from.
Your system may have a recovery CD or a recovery partition, accessible at
startup. Watch the screen carefully.

If it doesn't, you will have to get a new copy, yes. You can't use someone
else's CD because XP must be activated, each retail or OEM copy comes with a
license key, and theirs will already be on record.

This is, by the way, why it's best to not buy systems that don't come with
proper, bootable installation media.

HTH
-pk
 
Bryan said:
can anyone help me please. I purchased a computer a few years ago with
preinstalled windows xp. I now want to reformat my hard drive (pc is running
very slow now) but do not know if I need to get hold of a copy of the windows
cd first? if so how do i do it?
Click to expand...

The computer manufacturer is required to provide *a method* by which
the computer can be restored to the "as it left the factory" state.
This is a requirements of their license from Microsoft to preinstall
and distribute Windows with their computers.

However the details of that method are left up to the individual
manufacturer. Methods used include:
- Special "System Recovery" CDs provided with the computer.
- A hidden "System Recovery" partition on the hard drive that can be
accessed when the computer is first powered up by pressing a
designated key.
- A utility that is included with the computer that gives you a
one-time chance to create a recovery CD from the files on the
computer.

You need to review the documentation that came with your computer when
it was new and/or contact the manufacturer's technical support.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca
Syberfix Remote Computer Repair

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."
 
Bryan, your problem has nothing to to with Windows. If it boots and runs
without crashing, it's fine. You don't need to reinstall it.

Since you say the system is several years old, perhaps you need to 'clean
out the clutter'.

Start by running Disk Cleanup. Then right click the desktop IE icon, click
Properties. Clear out your History and Cookie files. When the Cookies are
deleted you will need to reenter ID's and passwords for any online sites you
visit, so make sure you have those available before you delete Cookies. Next
run Disk Defragmenter.

Then I would open the case, and blow it out with air, making sure to clean
the case cooling fans, and the CPU heatsink/fan. Intel CPU's slow down if
they overheat. Check all fans for proper operation, and make sure case air
intakes are clean.

Finally, I'd do an online system scan to check for viruses and worms. You
will need to 'unhide' system files to get a full sweep. To do that, Control
Panel-Folder Options-View-Show Hidden Folders-Uncheck Hide system operating
files. Click Apply-OK.

Two good sites are, Online Housecall from www.trendmicro.com. and
www.ewido.net.
Once the system is clean, create a new restore point using System Restore,
and rehide your system files.
 
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