Windows XP Boot CD without orginal Win CD

robert_harper_2000

I have just paid a computer tech to re-install Windows XP on two of my old computers that have had probs but I just wondered how easy it would have been to use a boot CD for myself.

They both had proper versions of Windows but I don't have the orginal disks.

Any ideas?

Cheers

DatabaseError

when it goes well, dead easy, when it goes wrong, drivers not to hand, unknown hardware etc...absolute nightmare

robert_harper_2000

true ... that's why I wanna make sure I can boot next time lol

isofa

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

esuhl

I would say it's easy so long as you have a working PC to hand, so you can look up error messages, download vital drivers, etc. Assuming you're logical and vaguely familiar with PCs, of course (i.e. my dear old mum wouldn't have a clue!!!)

robert_harper_2000

cheers
just to check to make this boot disc I need to download:
Run the Upgrade Advisor from the XP CD, or download from Microsoft.
and as I don't have a XP CD I would d/l this from Microsoft?
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=42B5AC83-C24F-4863-A389-3FFC194924F8&displaylang=en

DatabaseError

NO...if you don't have the XP cd...you can't install XP

If you have genuine XP keys, then you could...ahem....find a copy of the disk, but it would have to be the same version as for the key, ie oem, home, media centre or pro.
(unless you have 'boot/restore' disks supplied with your machines, then you can restore to 'factory state' not necessarily a clean install)

robert_harper_2000

riiiiiiiiiight that is why I seem to be banging my head against a brick wall trying to find answers on the internet. I'll try and sort through to find the discs.... hopefully get a boot made to save me next time#

Cheers

Jaffa.

You can make your own Windows XP CD. >>> http://www.howtohaven.com/system/createwindowssetupdisk.shtml

If you don't know what your 25 digit code for xp is you can use Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder:
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

robert_harper_2000

Still need the Windows CD sadly.... but thanks

gjchester

Another option is to buy a copy of Ghost or Acronis True Image(theres no Freeware alternative that is as good) they are usually cheap in PCworld for older versions (I paid 97p for a copy of PCWORLD Backup, which on opening the box is really just a OEM version of Ghost, or the current Personal Computer world has a free version of Acronis True Image on it.

These can clone you system as it is now to a dvd so in the future you can restore it to the state it's in at the point of the backup.