computer is sucky, help me fix it please.

[pud]

Ive got all ym pictures and documents I need to keep backed up. I wanna nuke everything and start fresh again like it was new back in 05. Ive got windows XP, the computers a compaq. Dunno anything else bout it.
I tried system restore but it only goes back 3 months lol.
I dont have my windows disk or anything anymore either. And I would prefer not having to buy a version.
Thank you in advance.

 

[Mark_88]

Well...without the disk to install the OS you're pretty much limited...and there is no way to actually R&R an OS without an install disk and serial number...the only option is to borrow an install CD...you can still use the same serial number, but if you don't have that...you may be able to pull it from the registry...but I've never done that so I couldn't tell you how to do it...

 

[pud]

By OS, you mean operating system eh?
how much is a copy of windows at the store?
what do I do if I have a copy of windows like youre saying?

 

[Mark_88]

By OS, you mean operating system eh?
how much is a copy of windows at the store?
what do I do if I have a copy of windows like youre saying?

Sorry, yes...OS is Operating System...

If you have a disk just insert it in the CD and reboot...follow the prompts to install new...format the Hard Disk to wipe out the old and then it will proceed to install the operating system on the formatted Hard Disk (HDD)...but you will need to type in the license key at the end so make sure you have that or it won't finish the installation...

Not even sure if you can buy a copy of XP anymore...I know it is nearly impossible to get one in Canada...but you may be able to contact Microsoft and they might sell you a license key if you have the CD...

You can also buy the CD in the MCSE Windows XP book...the book is about $115 and it comes with a limited license if I recall correctly...but it has SP2 on it and you can then download SP3 if you want that...or call MS and buy the SP3 CD for $10...

 

[pud]

eh? SP? you lost me on the last paragraph man lol.

I dont have the CD anymore. Will one of these work?
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10049626&catid=10657
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10049524&catid=10657

No wonder Bill Gates is rich! look at how much that crap costs!

 

[pud]

oh and is there anyway I can dig back to like 2006 restore point manually...

 

[v-8power]

SP stands for service pack. just an update from microsoft.


The product code should be on the side or back of your computer (the case)
It'll go something like this

c985s-nndkd-ndndn-ndndn-ndndn If you can find a instal disk you should be able to use these numbers. I can't remember for sure.

 

[Kdawg532]

eh? SP? you lost me on the last paragraph man lol.

I dont have the CD anymore. Will one of these work?
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10049626&catid=10657
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10049524&catid=10657

No wonder Bill Gates is rich! look at how much that crap costs!

dude i wouldnt pay that much for xp if i were you, look on ebay, BUT ONLY BUY IT IF ITS A RETAILER, DONT BUY IT FROM A PERSON.

 

[superdave1984]

Download uTorrent. Then go to www.thepiratebay.com and download a copy of XP that matches your version (home or pro). Burn it as .iso then boot to the cd you just burned, format, reinstall. You should be able to use the product key on your computer. If that fails, there are a TON of keygens out there.

 

[CJREX]

Being that it's a Compaq, you might be able to find a set of Restore Discs on evilbay.

Without the restore discs, you can reload from a full copy of XP but then you're going to spend a good bit of time downloading the drivers for your particular model from the Compaq website.

If possible, get the drivers for your machine before you start the re-install.

An HP/Compaq will very often have ZERO connectivity after a load from retail XP. They like to use proprietary drivers for everything.

 

[bigjaydog]

what superdave1984 said is the easiest way to reformat ur computer without spendin over $130 and you cant buy xp off the shelf anymore

 

[CJREX]

But it's ILLEGAL and will get the thread locked pronto.

 

[Mark_88]

oh and is there anyway I can dig back to like 2006 restore point manually...

Unfortunately, no...unless you've created a restore point at that time it's not possible...not sure how many restore points XP actually keeps, but if you don't see one that old...it's not an option...

I was going to suggest checking your RAM before doing a fresh install (even though fresh OS installs are relatively simple, they don't always need to be done) because if your system is bogging down there could be other factors...like insufficient RAM or Hard Disk space...

You can check the RAM by right-clicking on the My Computer icon and selecting Properties...the RAM is listed on the right...usually in MB...

 

[kossdust]

To find your windows key do a google search for magic jelly bean windows

should point you to a program that you can download and will tell you the serial number of your OS and other MS products

There also should be a sticker on the side of your case that will tell you a key too, most likely they are not the same as how computer places load the OS but that is neither here nor there.

Next I assume you have a OEM key for xp but the question is it pro or home. The program should tell you that when you run it. After you know start asking people to borrow there CD or get it on the internet, don't bother paying for it, it can be found for free. If you have a lot of problems finding it shoot me a PM and I might have a CD I could send you.

 

[IamMonsterMan]

It is NOT illegal to download a copy of Windows as long as you have the Blue/Green Windows sticker with your serial number

My computer teacher informed me of that, so download away, as long as you have the little Windows sticker it is not illegal