How to reformattXP without discs or backup

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Starplay

267 posts

Ultimate Geek

#73048 7-Dec-2010 23:42

Our older desktop computer (Windows XP) has got to the point where it needs reformatting as its really overloaded and has HEAPS of junk on it...

The only thing is... I have no reformatting discs for it and it doesnt have a factory restore like my newer laptop.

So basically... How can I reformatt it? Is this possible and if so, how?

Thanks

jbard

1377 posts

Uber Geek

#414372 7-Dec-2010 23:53

if you have the product code and the i386 folder in your hard drive you can make your own xp disk, just google for a tutorial.

Starplay

267 posts

Ultimate Geek

#414382 8-Dec-2010 00:11

jbard: if you have the product code and the i386 folder in your hard drive you can make your own xp disk, just google for a tutorial.

Awesome... Thanks

Do you know how to get the product code? The sticker on the outside has one for Windows Me but the the computer got upgraded to XP ages ago... So can you get the product code of the computer itself?

jbard

1377 posts

Uber Geek

#414384 8-Dec-2010 00:15

i think their are programs out their but not sure about the legality of them??

Apart from that i don't know of anyway to get the product code. sorry.

engedib

254 posts

Ultimate Geek

#415731 10-Dec-2010 22:37

If you download produkey from Nirsoft
http://nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html
the product key can be easily recovered, just turn off AV befor downloading or using it. Some crazy AV think this is not a valid appliation.
If the license of the XP is ok, just download it from anywhere (look for the proper version - upgrade, oem etc.) and reinstall, it will activate without any issue.

MCSE+M/S, MCITP

littleninjaman

104 posts

Master Geek

#423818 3-Jan-2011 21:36

engedib: If you download produkey from Nirsoft
http://nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html
the product key can be easily recovered, just turn off AV befor downloading or using it. Some crazy AV think this is not a valid appliation.
If the license of the XP is ok, just download it from anywhere (look for the proper version - upgrade, oem etc.) and reinstall, it will activate without any issue.

I always unplug my internet before i runs these programs so no talking to its master server if it even does but i like to be careful lol