Win XP Pro files

Am fairly new to XP, I still use Win 98SE on most of my computers. The Dell Optiplex I purchased from Dell came with XP Pro preinstalled but not recovery CD or XP CD. There is a i386 folder in C:\windows\driver cache--is this where the install files are ? Do I purchase a XP CD to use incase I need to repair or such? My calls to Dell or should I say India seem to give me little information that I can understand. I have no problems at this time but am just looking down the road. When I purchased I was expecting to receive a XP Pro CD but instead it was preinstalled with SP2 and I said it works with no problems. I did received a SP2 CD from Microsoft and I was going to try to make a Slipstream CD just for the future but realized I do not have everything needed or at least that is what it seems. Any info will be appreciated.

quickshot

 

When you first booted the PC, did it give you the option to make a restore disc? The restore information is usually on the "D" drive which is a partition of the "C" drive. It isn't very big.

 

Do not remember anything like that but my brother was here an set it all up and help me put on an admin password and set up the security and network with my other computers so I was not paying much attention other than everything went good and I have been pleased.

quickshot

 

quickshot, you have just ran into a mass production problem - mass produce cutting costs. The cd costs a few cents but it costs none the less. Regarding the call to Dell or India as you say, being an Indian I can assure you that you would have received as accurate info from here as from anywhere. The info has to come from the parent company (Dell in this case). If they are not providing accurate or relevant info, there is not much anybody can do about it.

What I suggest is, that you copy a cd from your friend and use it to reinstall as and when the need arises - just keep the Windows XP sticker on your computer safe - you would need that serial no. to install and then to register.

 

Meant no disrespect for the service ctr. in India just that I could not understand they people I was talking to. Partly because I am hard of hearing and partly because of the way they speak is different from the way I speak and use terminology. I am having no problems at the present and am expecting none,Ha. Just wanted to try the Slipstreaming idea. I have my serial # and key in a safe place also. If I need to replace a dll file or system file can the i386 folder with the cab files be used?

quickshot

 

quickshot--I am a little puzzled.

Why do you not feel that is a proper source of files if you need to run sfc /scannow (the way to repair corrupted WinXP files)?
I am almost sure Dell will sell you a full WinXP CD for your model PC for about $10-15. They should have given it to you, but that is the way they operate. (Though I have heard that might have changed lately.)
You will find several I386 folders on your PC. Run a Search. Open each one. My guess is that you will find the one with all the files in C:\.

P.S. Concerning sfc /scannow
http://www.helpwithwindows.com/WindowsXP/howto-24.html
http://www.helpwithwindows.com/WindowsXP/howto-03.html
Concerning creating a slipstreamed CD for Dell PC's
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=sw_svcpacks&message.id=283

 

Welshjim,


I ordered the SP2 CD from Microsoft and after they verified my system they sent me a CD free--I just wanted to have it to try to make a Slipstream XP CD.
I have tried to get a XP CD[purchase one] from Dell with not much success-maybe my communication skills.
I am unfamiliar with the ways of XP as I use Win 98SE most of the time and did not understand or know the commands-- sfc /scannow (the way to repair corrupted WinXP files) but want to thank you for the info and the links. Like I said earlier I have no problems with the computer but I am always installing and uninstalling programs and will get into trouble someday-it is my nature I guess. I am sorry if I do not relate my inquires more precisely, as stated I am not the best at communications. I have always had a Cd for all my OP before now.

quickshot

 

quickshot--I certainly agree with you that you should have a full set of XP files in case you need to run a repair or even reinstall. Good luck.

 

I see on eBay they have a Dell restore and reinstall XP Pro CD, I might try that just to have in case--at times I am a little disillusioned with Dell and then again things have gone well so I guess you take the good with the bad,Ha.
quickshot

 

quickshot--Dell's PC Restore is probably on a small partition of your HardDrive. See http://support.dell.com/support/top.../en/document?dn=1090152&c=us&l=en&cs=04&s=bsd
and note that it will restore your harddrive to its condition when it left the factory. That means all personal data, newly installed programs and updates/upgrades will be wiped. I deleted the partition on my Dell's hard drive and freed up a partition. PC Restore is on the CD, anyway, but I cannot imagine using it.