Can I make an os disk?

Hi all.

Purchased a new HP computer with xp installed. Problem is no os disks were included. I can make a recovery disk (not provided either) which is full of unwanted shareware.

Is it possible to make a xp install disk using the xp files in case I need to format and reinstall? Not sure if its possible so I'm asking.

If its not possible would it be legal to copy a friends xp disk and use as my own? I have the produck key number and users guide, which are the only things that came with the computer.

Thanks.

 

Hello John,

*If its not possible would it be legal to copy a friends xp disk and use as my own?* No.


Boot disc: http://www.bootdisk.com/

*Is it possible to make a xp install disk using the xp files in case I need to format and reinstall?*

Don't know for sure either, but don't think so. Perhaps you should invest in Ghost or something like it - Acronis True Image: http://www.wilderssecurity.com/index.php?board=9;action=display;threadid=9111

Regards - Charles

 

Thanks Charles. I got the boot disk earlier and was wondering about the os cd. Anyway thanks for the link, I'll check it out.

 

Dopey,
I also bought a HP pc that came with no recovery or bootup disks. I don't remember the exact reason why,but I wanted to do a complete recovery and it didn't work correctly doing it on my own so I called the tech help line and they walked me thru it and sent me all the recovery disks for free.I guess what I'm saying is,is if you call HP they will probably give you the disks free of charge.

 

Hi Rackster -- Thanks. I did a recovery just to see how it operates. I have the recovery disks but am wanting just the os disks so I can get rid of the excess that hp installs. Takes a full day to get rid of it now and don't want the pleasure of having to do it every time I want to reinstall.

But on the bright side xp has the option to make a restore point so I can get the computer working the way I want it and create one. Looking into a way now to save to disk as a backup.

I'm going to call hp today and see if I cant get the os disks from them. I already have the product key number for this version of xp so I'll see what they say. Thanks again.

 

Do not depend on Restore Points, alone. Make sure you back up what you really want to keep, regularly.

Charles,
If he uses his own product key, why can't he use a friend's XP disk for a clean install?

Johanna

 

XP has a backup feature but it isn't installed with the OS, and while activated disables system restore. Unsure whether it would be on the recovery disk but it is on the OS disk, and if interested in using it, you could install it from your friends disk if need be then uninstall it when you're done. There is a KB article on it.

 

Johanna - I know, I know I'm trying to figure this disk management thingamagig out. By the way, your question to Charles has my hopes up since HP won't send me the OS disks but instead will send the Recovery disks that contain what was shipped with the computer. And thanks for the reminder.

Noahdfear - If memory serves me right (most times it don't) the options I remember on the Recovery Tools disk were to make a restore cd, delete the recovery partition on the hdd, and to make a partition. (This option can only be used once. )
Thanks for the info about the backup feature. I'll check into it.

 

Thanks Tony -- Yes, the backup is stored in a separate partition. It's not hidden, but I do think its locked. Extraction can get to it I'm sure or else I wouldn't be able to use it to restore.

I'll follow your link and try it. Thanks again.

 

As long as you use the Product Key for your copy of XP, yes, you can use someone else's Windows CD. All Windows installation CDs are generic. The Product Key is an algorithm sort of thing which is why different valid product keys will work on one Windows installaton CD.

If you don't know your product key, download and run Aida32. It will give you your Windows product key along with masses of other information about your computer.

 

I have the product key for this version of xp. HP did at least include that but no disks. I wasn't sure if I could use a friends cd to install using MY product key. I didn't see the harm but wasn't sure. Thanks Miz for clearing that up.

I use Aida. Very good tool. Its especially good on systems you have no idea of the hardware installed. Good in troubleshooting also.

Thanks for all the replies, advice, and what not. I'm going to use a friends cd and get this thing cleaned up. Thanks again all.

 

Dopey: Please let us know if install from friends CD and use your own product key works.

I have an older CD w/o SP1, plus new one with. (3 total for 3 machines) If new clean install, I'd like to use new CD on oldest machine if it is possible.

Martin

 

Pete ...

Maybe I'm missing something here, but I don't see how Posting Rule #6 applies to the discussion at hand (although I didn't see the post from Johanna that you deleted).

So far as I can tell, no one has mentioned, or suggested, using an XP product key that didn't belong to them, nor has anyone suggested obtaining one by any extra-legal means.

That said, it's perfectly kosher to install XP from another source, so long as you have a valid product key from a version already associated with the computer you're installing to. Example: I've had two IBM laptops that came with XP Pro pre-installed. I don't like IBM's XP installation so, on both laptops, I've installed the standard XP Pro that came with my desktop, using the product key associated with each of the laptops. I did nothing devious or illegal, nor, to my way of thinking, has anyone else who's posted to the thread.

 

Pete, I surely don't want to do anything illegal. MSFT has gotten their tribute out of me. Paid the rent for 98, 98SE, Milenium, XP Home 3 times, plus every extra they put on the market.

I've had to activate this machine, must be 15 or 20 times, everytime I change the hardware, (I do that a lot) especially the video card, I have to spend 20 minutes on the phone, it really gets aggrevating when you are in the middle of trying to recover from repeated crashes caused by switching video cards.

And even more so when XP tells you you have 3 days to activate, then shuts machine down immediately till you do. That is one of the reasons for the repeated activations, don't have time to test new hardware & back out if neccessary before new activation.

I bet there are other users who resent the third degree, with only the rubber hose and light missing. I am a MSFT customer, but it is a love hate relationship, and I'm cheering for the competition.

Since I have leased (not owned, read your EULA) 3 copies of XP, I don't see a thing wrong with using one of the CDs with service pack one to do a reinstall on a machine that the original CD did not have service pack one, as long as I have a valid (not pirated or stolen as MSFT suspects) product key for that installation.

My reason for this is to not have to risk going online to patch their oh so vunerable OS.

And as a matter of fact, once with tech support at MSFT on the phone, I explained what my CD situation was, and he told me to use the newer CD to do sfc /scannow.

I emphatically agree with Jim on this.

When I get the update CD, my part of this argument will be moot, as my reason for using #2 CD will evaporate.

 

Sorry, PeteC- I understood Martin's question to be "will it work?" and I answered accordingly, like Jim, above. I do not advocate the illegal use of any software, or unethical means to achieve goals, however, I am not above a legitimate shortcut. Martin has PAID for all his cds, and is just trying to use them to his best advantage. But, in deference to Rule #6, I won't comment on that situation again, in this, or any other post.

But what I really want to know, Martin, Is it Catastrophy??? that is getting this reformat/reinstall??? Inquiring minds want to know.

Johanna

 

Hi Johanna: I have no reason or intention to do a reformat/reinstall at this time. For my part, the discussion in this post is academic.

Crashes/BSODs for now a thing of the past. Maybe you have read some of the other posts I have going, but here is a quick synopsis:

Discovered I was running the wrong BIOS , reflashed.
Upgraded CPU, installed new video card.

Catastrophy now trying to live down it's name.

Martin