Windows XP - Should I repurchase...

My computer came with a recovery\recovery CD. When I've taken my PC to be fixed, I always take these CDS with me. But I tried to reinstall windows to fix some corrupt files, the recovery/windows CD wouldn't corporate.

The question is....should I go out and purchase a new windows XP disk? When I went to Staples, the guy told me I should just go ahead and buy the Pro Version (he said he could get it for me for Windows XP price). Now I don't know what to do.

 

If you get the standard installation CD, you won't be able to reinstall to a system that used an OEM version originally, or even do a repair installation.

Personally, to make life simpler, I always remove OEM installations, backup partitions, and any other things that Compaq and Dell have added/removed/installed. Then format the drive and install a standard version of XP.

This makes problem-solving a lot easier when the OS is the same as most other peoples'.

If I were you, I'd save everything you want to keep, format your drive, and install XP Pro from a standard installation CD.

Future repairs and coming to sites like this one for advice where most people don't use an OEM installation will be all that much easier.

A further advantage is that should you get a new computer (cheap if you find one with no OS installed), you can format the old drive and install the same OS on the new computer. MS doesn't mind about activation so long as you don't try to use the same XP installation on more than one computer .

 

Hello artful,

It depends on the OEM. If Dell, which I have, the reinstallation cd should be the full OS.

IBM and HP/Compaq does not supply the full OS in the reinstallation cd.

Check with the Vendor.

You write that your "recovery/windows CD wouldn't corporate ". Would you elaborate on this? The problem isn't one of what type of cd this is, because even if its not the full OS, repair should have worked, so I think there is another problem which should be looked into prior to purchase of a OS cd.

Regards - Charles

 

Hi Christer,

As far as I know, those three have a "hidden partiton" that stores most of the "factory" settings which also means all the original startup junk - if junk it is .

Someone with one of the three OEM's should be able to confirm that.

Regards - Charles

EDIT: Found this thread http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22578&highlight=dual+boot

I've been looking at posts about "hidden partitions" for a long time. Perhaps its different lately?