...if I dont have a disc??

PC is kaput, wont load up - the fix is to re-install windows, but I no longer have a disc. Any ideas, other than buying a copy of Windows?

...if I dont have a disc??

PC is kaput, wont load up - the fix is to re-install windows, but I no longer have a disc. Any ideas, other than buying a copy of Windows?
New dell pc's have a copy of rebranded Ghost on a hidden partition, that will restore ur pc to a state it came in from the factory.
Otherwise you need a windows disk to reinstall windows, like you would need paint to paint a wall :)

Ok - I'll ask another way.

Obviously (though not obviously enough, that some feel the need to point it out again) I need a disc to re-install windows. I do not have one. Is there any way of getting one, without buying another version of XP?

Eg, can I download and burn one from somewhere, use one from another PC etc etc.

I dont want to paint anything, just fix my PC smartypants:razz:

Ok - I'll ask another way.

Obviously (though not obviously enough, that some feel the need to point it out again) I need a disc to re-install windows. I do not have one. Is there any way of getting one, without buying another version of XP?

Eg, can I download and burn one from somewhere, use one from another PC etc etc.

I dont want to paint anything, just fix my PC smartypants:razz:
Ah have you heard of that peer2peer stuff? I never tried it but i heard you can download stuff! ;) And surtainly if you have a copy of the same version of windows from another pc for your license you can use it (XP Home disk and XP Home license or XP Pro disk and XP Pro license, so for example XP pro disk with Xp Home license wont work)

If yours is an OEM licence and Certificate of athenticity,your gonna need the correct disk as I'm sure the keys are different for different disks ie retail and corporate etc.Dont know where you would get an OEM disk as these cannot be sold seperatly ony as a complete package.Ask at a computer shop maybe they might be able to help you..

where theres a will theres a way :P

Why is the PC kaput do you have any ideas whats wrong whats the message say if any it may still be there

I you have a windows sticker / barcode on the side of the base unit somewhere then that is your key so installing from any windows CD will be fine. Just borrow a cd from someone esle but use that key when it asks for one.

I think there was a thread about this issue recently. My thought is that it could be better to ask MS to confirm how they might want you to manage this situation. They are a tad touchy about doing things in a procedurally incorrect way and, for example, they will almost certainly want proof of purchase ie an invoice and details of the windows/sticker barcode.

I can sort you out with a copy of windows xp pro.

Damn, said too much already :help:

Cheers folks - I have managed to procure a copy of Windows XP Pro from a friend, so will see if that does the trick.

As for the problem, the PC just hangs during boot - before windows even loads, and no safe mode etc does not work - but a willing to give any other ideas a go?

its not a result of a windows update done online is it? I had the same problem 2 weeks ago when Win Xp auto updates wrecked my installation and it crashed at boot up......had to to a full system repair/restore using the CD