my XP Media Center is now XP Pro...help!

[MommySteph06]

We had a ton of spyware, etc. on my PC. So we erased everything and started fresh last night. Only today I realize it's not Media Center like we had...it's XP Pro. I don't want this...I want my Media Center back! Also, it doesn't have any of the original games, writing tools, anything. It's totally plain. Is there anything I can?

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

If you did a fresh install of Windows, I am afraid all your previous programs and files that have not been backed up are irretrievable. 
There are some programs out there that claim they can recover files on a formatted disk but the chances are slim:
http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,61553.0.html

To get Windows XP Media Center, you need the Media Center Windows CD.

[MommySteph06]

Why did install XP Pro when Media Center and all the programs that are missing came on the computer? I thought it would go back to original condition. The person who did it didn't use the recovery discs we made when we first got the computer. Could that be the problem? I tried to load those discs but a box comes up and says Windows can't open the files. What's going on??

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

OK first.

So we erased everything and started fresh last night.

How did you do this?

[drmsucks]

The person who did it didn't use the recovery discs we made when we first got the computer. Could that be the problem?

Yes, and did you purchase the XP Pro that's currently installed?

You will need to re-install from the computer manufacturer's recovery disks to get your original operating system back - minus, as Carbon said, installed programs, customizations, data, etc.

[mcxeb52!]

Well, what's your computer's manufacturer? I'd like to know.

Did you install a XP Pro that you bought (separately from computer)? You should restore from manufacturer's recovery disks OR (in case of Compa0q/HP, restore from within computer before booting to windows)

----

Also, once XP is back online like you wanted, I suggest you get AVG or AVASt (free antivirus, updates at least once a day) amd also disable windows firewall and install commodo firewall. Stop those spyware!

[drmsucks]

Did you install a XP Pro that you bought (separately from computer)? You should restore from manufacturer's recovery disks OR (in case of Compa0q/HP, restore from within computer before booting to windows)

This has been asked and/or answered.

[mcxeb52!]

Sorry, I should have said .... have you tried installing XP pro from recovery disks yet or have you not done that?

[drmsucks]

Sorry, I should have said .... have you tried installing XP pro from recovery disks yet or have you not done that?

A) The computer originally had MCE.

B) Someone wiped out the installation, and, unbeknownst to OP, installed XP Pro.

C) OP has recovery disks made shortly after computer purchase.

D) OP wants MCE back.

EDIT: E) OP is having trouble booting from the recovery disk.

[drmsucks]

I tried to load those discs but a box comes up and says Windows can't open the files. What's going on??

You can't re-install from within Windows.

Suggest that you go to your computer manufacturer's website (or check your manual) and read about how to use the recovery disks. Generally, it's as simple as booting from the correct disk and following the instructions.

If you are having problems booting from the recovery CD, check to be sure that the computer is set to boot from the CD drive. At the beginning of the computer starting up, look for a message about 'changing boot order,' or similar - typically, you'll press an "F" key. If there is no bootup message regarding boot order, access the BIOS (look for a message saying "Press (a certain key) to enter Setup" and look for the boot order screen there. Make your CD drive the first boot device.

I urge you to read about the recovery process first.

Good luck.

[mcxeb52!]

You might call up / contact manufacturer to see if they offer replacement recovery disks --> I know compaq/HP does.

Or, just buy yourself a copy of xp MCE --> I know eBay sells them, just buy from someone with a 90%+ positive feedback and you're good to go.