Windows XP query

FASTXR · 23-11-2005, 12:18 AM

I bought an Asus laptop 18 months ago with Windows XP Pro installed. Anyhoo, the IT guys at my new job are having problems connecting me to the network, and so they want to basically re-format the machine.

My problem is that I'm buggered if I can find the Windows XP disk - in fact, I could almost swear that it didn't come with one. Is this possible? The machine came with an OEM version installed
I have been able to find two Asus "recovery disks" - are these essentially the same thing?

Any help appreciated

b2tf · 23-11-2005, 12:21 AM

Ok im VERY limited in knowledge about this sorta thing but the recovery disk is more for hardware related issues. If you need to reinstall Windows XP you need to find the Windows CD or dare I mention it "borrow" a copy from somewhere.

I cant see what reformatting is going to do to get you connected though?

GT-E · 23-11-2005, 12:23 AM

Look for the OEM M$ serial number sticker on the notebook. If there is no sticker then it is not a legal copy.
I would suggest you buy one as they require online rego and pirating M$ software is not a good idea as big bill is watching you.

DOC · 23-11-2005, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FASTXR

Is this possible? The machine came with an OEM version installed
I have been able to find two Asus "recovery disks" - are these essentially the same thing?

Any help appreciated

You will probably find all operating systems including XP are on your recovery disks, they should give you the option to install varying parts but in general will restore the lap top back to what you had when you picked it up.

there should be some instructions with the restore disk to guide you and back up any email addresses / emails or private info to a disk or thumb first.

cheers
Pete

Venomous · 23-11-2005, 12:33 AM

Hey, yea ive noticed this when ive gotten computers in the past, they come with it installed and a product key sticker but no cd. I suggest you try to obtain one and yea.

melon466 · 23-11-2005, 12:36 AM

the recovery disk will do the job, all laptops with windows pre installed come with an oem recovery disk, it's all packaged on the one disk with all the drivers you need aswell.

**Captain Stubing** · 23-11-2005, 12:46 AM

The Recovery Disk will burn an image to your hard drive, which is the XP install. When it's finished you just fill in your personal details. It won't let you partition your drives at all.

I was peeved because I bought my laptop with XP Pro, and only got Recovery Disks with it, but (after a bit of research) I was able to make my own install disk from it. The important part is the serial number!

pauljh74 · 23-11-2005, 11:14 AM

The corporate edition only needs a key - doesn't have the second stage registration/authentication. You can figure out the rest ;)

GT-E · 23-11-2005, 11:18 AM

If there is no OEM sticker then the computer does not have a valid XP license.
If you put a corporate version on the notebook then the company needs to ensure there is a license

big_waity · 23-11-2005, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melon466

the recovery disk will do the job, all laptops with windows pre installed come with an oem recovery disk, it's all packaged on the one disk with all the drivers you need aswell.

Correction, Most laptops come with windows on the laptop. Most of what people have said thus far is correct. As a (bit of a) tech, I regularly deal with this sort of issue. If you have a sticker on the bottom of the laptop with the product key, you are right. You obviously know that it is OEM XP Pro, so, you just need another OEM XP Pro cd. Doens't have to be your cd, just your product key. The key is the important bit. But, as melon said, Windows will probably be on the recovery disk, unless it's like the one on my desk at the moment.

Stealth00 · 23-11-2005, 11:47 AM

Asus laptop's always have the XP Pro OEM sticker underneath, recovery cd's include windows and drivers.

FASTXR · 23-11-2005, 12:41 PM

Well the funny thing is that my COA sticker doesn't mention OEM on it (just says Windows XO Professional 1-2CPU ASUS), and the product key is a 25-digit code. However, when I go into Control Panel/System, the serial number has "OEM" as digits 6-8. Are the product key and serial number 2 different things?

Anyhow, Asus tell me that the recovery disks have everything I need on them, and that I just need them plus another disk of Asus driver (hope I can find that one!).

Can anyone tell me why you get the Windows disk with a desktop PC but apparently not with a laptop?

Quasi · 23-11-2005, 12:52 PM

The recovery disks are what you need, but be warned.....running these will take it back to default configuration, as per the day you bought it.

The product key produces a product number within windows. They are related, but different.

FASTXR · 23-11-2005, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quasi

The recovery disks are what you need, but be warned.....running these will take it back to default configuration, as per the day you bought it.

Yep no probs - I've already backed up all my personal docs and files. If nothing else, at least it'll clear some of the crap off the machine!

Thanks everyone for your help