Formatting Laptop

aj9648

Hi

Could someone provide me with some advice on formatting your laptop so it goes back to how it was delivered.

I want to get rid of all programmes and software that I have on there and start with a fresh install of XP - only problem is that I do not have the XP disc as I never got one when I bought the laptop

All I have is some code on the back on the laptop which I think is the COA code for XP.

Any helpers?

Thanks

Garetha

Does the hard drive have more than one partition?
(look in My Computer)
The 2nd partition may contain the setup for restoring the laptop to its original state.

S0litaire

How old is the laptop?

For the past couple of years the "restore" is done using a hidden part of the hard drive.

What's the make and model of the Laptop?
it's usually involves pressing "f10" during the boot, to get a microsoft menu up, one of hte options will be for a restore.

totalsolutions

Hi, First "Formatting" and "reinstalling XP" have different meanings and "all programmes and software" is the same thing.


Can you borrow a CD with XP? You can use the COA code in this case. Just get the correct version, ie Home or Premuim. As mentioned the "restore" feature is on a hidden partition on the hard drive.

Going back to the original condition, please be aware that ALL you personnel data will go, so make sure you have a backup or three before hand.

aj9648

Hi

It only has one partition - its an old laptop - HP Compaq NX7010

aj9648

hi - another queston - if I use someone else's copy of XP or obtain from another source (*cough cough*) and use the COA code from the copy I have - will the code be still accepted?

Or is the COA installation specific?

Garetha

You ask:

aj9648 wrote: »

hi - another queston - if I use someone else's copy of XP or obtain from another source (*cough cough*) and use the COA code from the copy I have - will the code be still accepted? Or is the COA installation specific?

totalsolutions has already pointed out:

totalsolutions wrote: »

Can you borrow a CD with XP? You can use the COA code in this case. Just get the correct version, ie Home or Premuim.

Just check your MS sticker for version details - then 'obtain' :eek: a copy of the same CD

amcluesent

>will the code be still accepted?<

Generally only if the install disk is an OEM and the same manufacturer as the laptop. However, you can bell Microsoft and tell them you've swapped out a faulty component and they'll give you a code. As you have a COA it's legit.

Garetha

aj9648 wrote: »

Hi It only has one partition - its an old laptop - HP Compaq NX7010

according to the HP website:

System Recovery Each unit is shipped with a recovery CD kit containing Operating System Recovery and Driver/Application Recovery CDs. These CDs allow users to either recover or repair the notebook operating system and select drivers without losing personal data. The Operating System CD also provides the option of reinstalling the operating system software provided with the notebook. (NOTE: This option erases the hard disk and restores the base operating system. Drivers and applications are installed using the other CDs provided with the kit.)

mongoose2009

the XP Home discs are the same

there are 3 versions of xp pro you'll need the correct version

spud17

Garetha wrote: »

according to the HP website:

System Recovery Each unit is shipped with a recovery CD kit containing Operating System Recovery and Driver/Application Recovery CDs. These CDs allow users to either recover or repair the notebook operating system and select drivers without losing personal data. The Operating System CD also provides the option of reinstalling the operating system software provided with the notebook. (NOTE: This option erases the hard disk and restores the base operating system. Drivers and applications are installed using the other CDs provided with the kit.)

I've had dealings with a set of these, albeit with a desktop, when you install, they somehow take a 'fingerprint' of the BIOS.
They autoactivate, and will then only ever work on that machine.
Also includes all the trial stuff you don't want.

Best bet is to beg/steal/borrow a plain MS XP disk.