No Windows CD

milla

Please help.

I have a HP computer which came with Windows preinstalled and no disc (PC World).

I am now trying to download Setup boot discs from Microsoft in case I need them for any reason in the future.

I have been studying the information on http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=E8FE6868-6E4F-471C-B455-BD5AFEE126D8 and am puzzled by the final comment

The Setup process starts. Insert the other floppy disks as you are prompted to do so. Note that you will need to use the Windows XP CD-ROM to finish Setup. [/i

Is that the same Windows CD ROM that I haven't got ?!!!!

What have I missed ?

Thanks for any help.

blinky

There will normally be a folder on the hard disk which has all windows setup files. Often when installing new hardware you need a Windows disk - but Windows will be set to search a folder on the hard disk.

The folder might be called i386.

Godders

You may also find with a pre-loaded PC that there is a key you press (F11 or F12 for example) during startup which lets you into a 'Utility Partition' which gives you the option to re-install the PC back to base build (how it came when you got it).

In this case the Windows CD is effectivly on the (normally hidden) utility partition. Great until the Hard Disk fails!

You might find if you go into Computer Management (Right Click on 'My Computer' and select 'Manage') then onto 'Disk Managment' you can see an extra partition called 'Recovery' or 'Utilities' or something similar.

sra

I think Godders is right, my sister got a HP a few months back and everything needed for recovery was in the recovery partition "D:"

Even if you don't have that, With HP, you might find info on software tailored to their machines on their website

If it's a Pavilion you have, could start looking here

milla

Thanks for your replies folks .
You folks are so clever and helpful ........


I have spent quite a bit of time on the PB site ...flippin' heck !! I'm getting more and more confused but did come across this .... is it what I am looking for ?



http://support.packardbell-europe.com/support/download/itemnr/REFFIUP04450300.asp?c=ap

thanks :-/

Figment

Milla - in your opening post you say your PC is HP, but later you say you've been on the PB website. Is your PC HP (Hewlett Packard) or PB (Packard Bell). I guess as it came from PC World, it is a Packard Bell (although they do sell HP too)

Once upon a time PC manufacturers were obliged to supply a copy of the media (CD) with each PC sold that had software pre-installed. That rule changed within the last couple of years and manufacturers no longer have to supply it with the machine. This allows them to be more competitive on purchase price, whilst also allowing them to charge to provide the media as an option. IIRC DSG (Dixons Stores Group, the parent company of PC World) and PCSoftwareCall (their Tech Support service (premium rate) charge in the region of £50.00 + VAT to suppply a copy of the preinstalled software on CD.

As previously stated above, most OEMs put the install files (CABs) somewhere on the hard drive. Search for *.CAB and you should find them