Hi, I am trying to do a clean wipe and re-install Windows XP. When I purchased the PC, a Windows XP CD was not provided. I have seen from posts that you can look for a winnt32.exe file. I found this in C:/Windows/i386/winnt32.exe. The problem I have is that when I click on this, it gives me an error saying that the version on my computer is newer than the version on the CD and does not allow me to continue. Any help on getting through this? It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Twine

Try taping the F10 key every couple of seconds during a boot. You might get an HP recovery program. Most OEM systems have an image of the original system in a hidden partition on the drive. TWIMC NTVDM = NT, Win2K and WinXP Virtual DOS Manager http://kb.iu.edu/data/acxn.html

If you didn't get a recovery disk set you may still be able to make one. If you have that option then after the disks are made you can slipstream SP3 into the original disk using nLite and your burner program.

You were misinformed concerning winnt32. It is used as an upgrade not a new install. You can't run a program [winnt or winnt32] on the same drive you plan to wipe clean. You have to have all the support files [device drivers especially] which the i386 folder may not contain. 'tis the season to be of good cheer. Wishing one and all happy times with family and friends.

Also that message coughs up if the intended installation source files are older than the current installation in terms of service pack; at least that has been my experience recently... Presumably the version of the i386 etc. (and not the least its sp) on the drive is pre your current service pack - if any sp was included in that folder anyway? Each sp does change a few rather critical files - although I'm not all familiar with just which... Thus if the intended source versions (for an installation) are older than the latest already present (installed via an sp) then you get that message... If you were able to match vintages - at least ensure the sp on the source files is same as current version installed - you would probably get an option to repair current version. As I say above that was my experience recently... The most you might have been able to achieve (in effect echoing wanderer's comment) re' not being able to wipe the current partition (if attempting to do so from within that OS when it's booted up) is to effect a parallel installation - if the (current) version present and the source files were similar vintage. This would give you another version alongside the existing one (giving you a dual-boot; after-which you could delete the original installation)? If you were to contact hp you may be able to either buy (for a small fee) or download a recovery CD set? Have you been in touch with them? You can trawl hp's website\support areas to this end. And also, as suggested by aegis1 above, it is sometimes already on the drive in "hidden" area... Have you checkd both the manual(s) if any that came with the system; and/or on-line at hp re' your model etc.?