Back-up copy of Window XP Professional

Ok,let me give yall some back ground.I was deleting some files and deleted some files that go with my window xp home.To where i couldn't log back into window xp,just kept logging on.Where when it get to the user sign on page and i sign in.It just restart the whole log on again.So a friend had window xp pro,and i downloaded it and wanted to make a copy for me to have.if i needed a restore disk.

 

Windows XP Home is different software than Windows XP Professional. for many of the files, they are interchangable, but not always. It would be in your best interests to use the correct version of the CD to replace files in the future. I've done similar things to get out of a jam and the wrong CD with me, so i understand where you are.

As far legality, your copy of XP Pro you have right now is not legal, and is no different than copying a game or a music cd you dont own. Another point, you would be extremly disappointed if you had to reinstall using that Pro CD with your XP Home CDKEY, so its not nearly as useful as you would think.

Where did you get XP Home from, perhaps they can mail you a replacement CD. Note that the below information cannot be used if you got XP preinstalled from an OEM (like dell), you have to contact the people who sold you the computer.

If you bought a retail box XP, Use the following contact information to order a replacement Windows XP CD from Microsoft.

If you are calling from the United States, contact the Microsoft Order Desk at the following phone number:
(800) 360-7561, Monday through Friday, 5:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Pacific time.
If you are calling from Canada, contact the Canadian Order Desk at the following number:
(800) 933-4750, Monday through Friday, 5:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Pacific time.

 

You might try booting to the last known good configuration. It's worth a try anyway. To do this, start your computer and while it's booting, press the f8 key. It has to be done at the right time for it to work. It may be best if you just start tapping continuously on the key right after you start the computer. It should stop at a menu. Use the arrow key to highlight "last known good configuration" and then use the enter key to select it. No guarantees here but it's certainly worth a shot. The worst thing that can happen is you'll be in the same position you are now. If it works, it should boot to windows.

 

ok, im confused. Were you still having a problem after restoring files? I thought your question was about how to make a backup for future use.

Please restate your question with specifics. What do you see, what have you tried. Define the deviation from the expected behavior.

 

Maybe you're not confused and it's me that is. At first glance I took it that the system wouldn't boot past the logon screen and a XP disk was needed to repair it. After a second glance, it's not really clear (to me anyway) whether the system boots now or not. Guess we'll have to wait and see.

 

the window xp home wouldn't boot up,so i went and install window xp professional.I wanted to make a backup copy of the pro so if i needed it in the future.I'm not that advance with computers and all ways screwing something up.

 

candielicker, You may be more advanced than you realize!

If you have succeeded in using that CD to repair your crippled system, more power to you. You may yet end up disappointed within the next 30 days since you may be required to Re-Activate the installation. If you get by without a hitch, you'll be very lucky, don't count on that ever happening again. It just doesn't work that way.

For the future, I would recommend that you get a Disk Imaging program and make a copy of your system so that you can restore it when things go wrong. I think Acronis True Image is an excellent choice for that. It's very user friendly right from the gate. Others to consider are; Symantec Ghost and Powerquest Drive Image.

Create an image with one of those softwares and store it either on another hard drive or on CD's. You'll need to replace it from time to time as your system changes and you add new programs and data.

Using this method will allow you to get by without an install CD, as many of us that have OEM systems do.

 

You've done quite well to get your machine back on its legs. Unfortunatly, you are using stolen software at this point. I'll refer to the above post on how to order replacement media for the SKU of software you paid for.