Hi, I recently bought a new computer and I got no disc for Windows XP. I spoke to someone who knows a lot about computers and he said I should have a Windows XP CD-ROM/disk incase I ever needed to re-install it or something. I contacted the company I bought my computer off, and then said I had to download it....help! I don't know where to get it from. thanks. Sincerely, Anna.

With most new store bought PC's you get a restore disk - not a Windows CD (in my experiences). Chad

I think that is a rip-off. To do that, is to deprive the computer user of being able to restore a system that has completely crashed. would this mean that Microsoft would get paid twice? Once when the computer was bought, and also when the user must go out and buy a new XP disk to revive thier machine from the dead? Sure seems like it to me. It should be a requirement to include the OS's disk when a computer is sold.

If you bought your computer in the United Kingdom, threaten the vendor with the Sale and Supply of Goods Act 1994. In my experience, this usually does the trick. (Ask to speak to the manager). If they still give you crap, contact Microsoft UK, who are helpful on this matter. Tell them this also : they suggested you download Windows XP. I have not seen any site where this is legally feasible. Threaten to tell Microsoft that the vendor told you to do this. BTW, was it a Packard-Bell? If so, contact NEC Computers.

As per the 'ripoff' aspect of not getting a cd, did your computer come with a recovery partition? Alot of the vendors are now including the recovery s/w on an added partition to the hard drive, to allay the need for cd's. If you did, DO NOT mess with the master boot record (MBR) on the system, like fdisking it or using GoBack or anything like that, as it will wreck the bit-switch that allows you to access the hidden partition. Contact your vendor and ask about the recovery process.

Yeah it came with a recovery disk, but I was told I should have a disk for Windows XP, and that I have to download it or something. Also...it is a packard bell....I won't get in touch with NEC. I've had nothing but trouble with them they are the most unhelpful company I have ever met. I shouldn't have to get intouch with them either. I bought my computer thinking it was all there, in the package, and as far as i'm concerned it isn't. Thanks for your help everyone. I'll be getting in touch with the people I bought it off on monday morning.

nwo