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I want to reformat this computer entirely, without saving any data. I do not have the XP setup disk, can't borrow one, and I also do not have access to blank CDs to burn a new one. However, I do have a genuine product key and I'm sure I can find the data from the XP setup disk on the web and save it to a folder on a new partition. I then want to format the original partition and reinstall with data from the new partition.
The Microsoft site helped me create 6 floppies to start the setup. After the floppy setup it says I'll need the setup disk to finish. Instead, does anyone know if I can finish the install with the XP setup data I downloaded onto the new partition? Or any other suggestions? I CANNOT get a new cd, borrow one, USB or anything like that. THANK YOU
if you haven't wiped it yet...there is a i386 folder on your C drive that contains the xp install stuff...you maybe able to use that...(cd to folder and type winnt, google it)
Good Luck
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Yes, I know this is a common folder for setup files.
Having the data in C:\I386 is not wise because I will first format C. If I saved the data to a new partition, for example X:\I386, how would I proceed then?
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"I also do not have access to blank CDs to burn a new one".
Does this mean you are in the third world somewhere? If you never created restore disks for your computer that would certainly be the easiest method.
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http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...
Looks like a good reference for HP recovery. Try powering on and hitting F10 every 2-3 seconds.
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From the very start, I was cleaning up this comp and in doing so deleted the HP_RECOVERY partition that HP factory installs instead of sending an XP setup disk. This messed up the boot sequence and it took me about two days of work to finally boot back into XP. I only learned that HP uses the partition instead after I had deleted it and written over it while trying to fix the MBR (preventing undelete).
Let's assume I am located in a third world country.
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No restore partition and no CD. I would say that your best option is contacting HP to see if you can purchase a restore CD.
HP and Compaq Desktop PCs - Obtaining a Recovery CD or DVD set
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"Does this mean you are in the third world somewhere? If you never created restore disks for your computer that would certainly be the easiest method."
????????????? and so what if they are, we're trying to HELP people here NOT judge them...get a clue...IMO
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I don't think anybody's judging anybody, but how hard is it to come up with a single blank CD-R, regardless of where you're from? I already sent a PM to rd26 which had a link to where he could get XP Home SP3, but he needs a blank disc & a legal key ;-)
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"fqdn17
So then help them then."
I believe I offered a solution, how you determine to use it is up to you...!!!
there are many ways to get that folder from the disk to a place where you can use it...
Good Luck
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I'm reasonably certain that if you copy the i386 to the other partition... you can point to it during setup for any requried files etc.; and possibly to a CDR likewise - as long as you can access sed CD appropriately during setp.
But a trip to the HP site, or a phone call, ought to get you the required recovery disks - for a small fee? And presuming so.. go that route and use those disk(s). And make a copy of them too - in-case anything ever happens to those (replacements) down the road?
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Everyone, thanks for replying. After downloading a copy of XP from P2P, I was able to install the OS without any CD whatsoever. The data was saved to a partition separate from the partition I was installing to and installed perfectly.
P.S. In the end, I did not succeed and had to burn a copy of the OS at a friend's house. This is because after the first install, I was crippled by the "NTLDR is missing" message on boot. I would suggest everyone have a copy of NTLDR.exe and NTDETECT on a floppy or USB.
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