The XP disc was misplaced. How do I obtain a new disc without buying a brand new retail version? I have had multiple issues with a computer that I'm working on for a small business. In the past I have removed viruses and spyware from this computer, but I don't think I have been able to completely clean the operating system. The latest problems started with a continuous log-on/log/off loop. I was able to finally get access to the desktop but there are some issues. One being the wireless is working (used netstumbler to test) but windows is not able to see any wireless networks. Another is that I can't drag files into the recycle bin. And finally, all of the past System Restore points were deleted. All current scans with AVG, online virus scans, Defender, and SpyBot return nothing. After four days of google searching, the easiest thing to do would be a reinstall. But the XP disc was misplaced. How do I obtain a new disc without buying a brand new retail version?

china1922, pirate copies are around, the problem you're going to encounter with that approach is with M$. They've had such a piracy problem with unauthorized copies of their software that they must validate your version for it to work properly. I'd contact them (good luck with that!). HTH. Ed in Texas.

Are you sure there is not a "hidden restore partition" on the hard drive ?? Otherwise contact ACER who will sell you a Restore Disk which works with your CoA.

It's not illegal to use someone else's XP CD provided you have a legal product key. "If my answers frighten you then you should cease asking scary questions" - Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson) in Pulp Fiction

As jam stated, it is not illegal to use a different CD IF you own a valid license. You need to use the same flavor of WinXP as your original. IE, XP home, pro, full, upgrade. Use Magic Jelly Bean to recover your installation key from your currently running OS. BTW, if that CD were a $100 bill you wouldn't misplace it would you? Use my method and you may fare better. When you first get new software burn a copy of it on CDR or DVDR, to match the original format. Then INSTALL the program using the copy. That way you know both are good. Put the original away for safe keeping. I still don't understand how so many folks can misplace valuable software. As was pointed out above you probably don't need a retail CD. http://magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

Acer's I believe use the "System Locked Preinstallation" to authentize their OEM installs. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System...

If you go to/start at: http://us.acer.com/public/page6.do?... Sorry it's a lengthy link; just copy/paste in full etc... you can then trudge your way to both the user-manuals various for your Acer; and also to the recovery disks... And in-case you get lost... user-manual is at: http://www.acerpanam.com/synapse/da... Acer site (request etc.) for Recovery disks at: https://secure3.tx.acer.com/RCD/Main.aspx Acers typically include a hidden partition (at start of drive) that is used either with a recovery disk or with a folder on the drive itself... Some systems come with no recovery disk(s); you make your own. Some come with them and Acer also encourage you make an additonal set yourself - after you've set it up... Some allow only the disk-to-disk approach (uses only info on the HD itself). The disk-to-disk option(s) etc. are via the Recovery Manager util on the system; and usually accessible via a button on the keyboard itself; and maybe other ways too...? All this is in the Acer user's manual for a given system. Regardless - once you have the system running again... might be wise to make your own set; and at regular internals make a fresh set - so as to reflect any changes etc. since previous set? That way you can restore to a more recent system than if you go back to square-one with the Acer or similar recovery sets? I use Acronis to this end; duz wot it sez on the tin. Acer seem to use Norton Ghost to the same end (via their included utils on the system when shipped...). And a general trawl - out there (Scully) - using: Aspire 5630 user manual or: Acer 5630 recovery disks will bring you host of other hits/sources for those items...; some may/will cost a few pennies - some may not so? And to echo those above... make duplicates of all disk; label and keep separate sets in safe places...? Perhaps a binder for each set - and similar duplicates of other essential disks? That way you won't end up in the same dried-out water-hole?