Computer Hope

Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows XP => Topic started by: Whitebeard1 on September 25, 2013, 08:25:39 PM

Title: Is it possible to do a repair install on Windows XP without disk?
Post by: Whitebeard1 on September 25, 2013, 08:25:39 PM

I have a very old Windows XP that I bought pretty much as soon as XP was released. I had no hope in it anymore, because it had not updated in years and have it's internet dead. I tried to fix some things in there, but I cannot.
 So, i came up with the idea of doing a repair install that I learnt about recently, also because that it doesn't delete my programs and files. Unfortunately, I do not have the Windows XP disk. Maybe because it just didn't have one, or the disk got lost in the past 10 years.
So can I still do a repair install? ???
Any help is appreciated!

Title: Re: Is it possible to do a repair install on Windows XP without disk?
Post by: Geek-9pm on September 25, 2013, 11:25:00 PM

The make and model are important. Some, like Dell and HP, have OEM CDs that  can be bought on eBay, but they only work on the OEM PC.

So,  you have the Product Key?
Read  this and see if it could help you.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389
I think you could download this on a good PC, make a CD from the ISO, and boot it up to replace the system.

Title: Re: Is it possible to do a repair install on Windows XP without disk?
Post by: Allan on September 26, 2013, 05:50:40 AM

The answer to your question is no. You need an XP CD to do a repair install.

Title: Re: Is it possible to do a repair install on Windows XP without disk?
Post by: SuperDave on September 26, 2013, 04:24:24 PM

You could try borrowing a disk from someone but it must be the same version as what's on your computer now.

Title: Re: Is it possible to do a repair install on Windows XP without disk?
Post by: Whitebeard1 on October 01, 2013, 10:19:55 PM

Hello. Thanks everyone for the replies. I have borrowed a disk from someone else who bought the exact same XP with me ten years ago. The repair install went fine, and now my Windows XP is great! ;D
Thanks,
Whitebeard

Title: Re: Is it possible to do a repair install on Windows XP without disk?
Post by: Geek-9pm on October 02, 2013, 10:30:31 AM

Don't forget to make a backup of your OS while it is good.
Here is a list from gizmo's:

Best Free Hard Drive Backup Programs (http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-hard-drive-backup-program.htm)  :D

Title: Re: Is it possible to do a repair install on Windows XP without disk?
Post by: Whitebeard1 on October 04, 2013, 07:17:18 AM

Hi Geek, thanks for the reply. I took a look at the site about backup programs. But can't I just use the back-up wizard thats already installed on my PC? Or is there advantages of using these programs?
Thanks
Whitebeard1

Title: Re: Is it possible to do a repair install on Windows XP without disk?
Post by: Computer_Commando on October 04, 2013, 09:54:49 AM

They don't work so well, this one does:  http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx

Title: Re: Is it possible to do a repair install on Windows XP without disk?
Post by: patio on October 04, 2013, 02:13:01 PM

Quote from: russellford on October 04, 2013, 01:52:06 PM

Oh no!! are you sure? :S

     HuH ? ?