Creating XP install CD from pre-installed HDD

[AMD K9]

My Hp Pavilion a810n came with XP Home pre-installed, meaning there was no cd included, and my only way of a backup is through the restore feature. I thought there was an easy way of creating an XP install CD from the files already installed. If this is possible what XP cd would this be equivelant to? OEM/Upgrade/Full Retail Home edition.

 

[timswim78]

Are you referring to restore disks when you mention the "restore feature?"

 

[ColKurtz]

I think he means the support tactic many vendors are using by putting the system files on a seperate partition . In case of FUBARr, you can just hit a button and the machine reinstalls from the HDD-based XP setup files.

OP - Unless HP has changed, I think they include a tool to create the CDs in start->programs -> HP Pavilion tools or HP tools or something like that. If it's not there contact HP and find out - vendors change things all the time. Worst case scenario is you call HP and pay small media/shipping fee for CD's once they verify your license.

 

[timswim78]

Originally posted by: ColKurtz
I think he means the support tactic many vendors are using by putting the system files on a seperate partition . In case of FUBARr, you can just hit a button and the machine reinstalls from the HDD-based XP setup files.

OP - Unless HP has changed, I think they include a tool to create the CDs in start->programs -> HP Pavilion tools or HP tools or something like that. If it's not there contact HP and find out - vendors change things all the time. Worst case scenario is you call HP and pay small media/shipping fee for CD's once they verify your license.

That is pretty interesting. Seems like it would be a nice feature for your average user, as long as it works like it was designed to.

 

[Kalvin00]

Yes, this Compaq computer has a feature that you can create 'rescue' disks that will return it to how it was when you bought it, however it is not an XP install CD.

 

[Leros]

I used to have an HP Pavilion a few years ago. The restore partition does not allow you to reinstall windows. The computer actually came with an 8 disc HP Windows XP Home installation set.

 

[AMD K9]

I guess I am SOL then. HP gave me the big brush off when I asked for my CD's with Win XP Home. They said buy it from Microsoft. I called Microsoft and they said they hate the idea manufacturers are screwing customers like that and leading people to piracy that way. She also directed me to call HP and demand my CD as I basically paid for it when I bought the computer.

 

[ColKurtz]

I guess I am SOL then. HP gave me the big brush off when I asked for my CD's with Win XP Home. They said buy it from Microsoft.

Really? Are you sure you were asking for the correct thing (restore CDs for your system, not XP install CDs)? He/she should not have referred you to MS.

I called Microsoft and they said they hate the idea manufacturers are screwing customers like that and leading people to piracy that way.

Did you actually call anyone, for real? Your'e saying MS told you that they hate the way computer manufacturers (who sell bazillions of dollars in XP licences) don't give their customers base-install CDs (which Microsoft prevents them from distributing in the first place) and this all (in MS's grand plan, I guess) drives everyone to piracy?

You shouldn't be talking to MS at all. You're not entitled to real WinXP install CDs when you purchase a preinstalled system. You're paying less for your copy of XP when it's preinstalled, and one of the tradeoffs is that you don't get the general install CDs. You get rescue CD's instead, which returns your system (including XP) to the state it was in when you first booted it.

If you have your XP licence number that came with your box then you CAN get replacement media provided : A) Your box isn't too old (3+ years probably) , B) You're willing to pay a "small" media/handling fee, C) You're polite to them. They get yelled at all day, and are just waitng to f with you if you piss them off. You must treat support folks the same as fast food workers, very respectfully. The downside is too ugly.

 

[AMD K9]

ColKurtz, I believe I was paraphrasing what the MS rep said about the manufacturers not supplying the install CD's. Like you said, this person was probably misinformed as Microsoft is the reason they only offer "licenses" for pre-installed XP Home, as you made clear, instead of a full OEM install XP Home CD.

I bet Microsoft would prefer vendors to supply a full version of Win XP as a)it's more money for Microsoft, and b)less angry calls from customers like myself.

If you have your XP licence number that came with your box then you CAN get replacement media provided : A) Your box isn't too old (3+ years probably) , B) You're willing to pay a "small" media/handling fee, C) You're polite to them. They get yelled at all day, and are just waitng to f with you if you piss them off. You must treat support folks the same as fast food workers, very respectfully. The downside is too ugly.

a) This is a brand new less than 2 weeks old HP Pavilion a810N AMD64 3300+ 512 mb DDR system.

b) I am willing to pay a small fee. Note: I would have gladly paid extra for the complete package initially for a full version of WinXP if this was made clear it wasn't a full version.

c) I am always polite to them, yet they told me flat out to go to Microsoft if I wanted to purchase a full version of XP.

Having said all this I will return this PC as I don't like the idea of HP pulling a fast one like that. Which vendors actually sells full versions of XP with their systems? I'm not looking for custom builds either I am talking about Dell/Gateway/HP/Compaq/Emachines etc.

 

[Panther505]

none... No OEMs ship what you would consider a full version of XP with their systems, at least from an install media standpoint. All installs that they do are OEM media installs done with and OPK. The restore or reload function basically does a reinstall + all OEM customizations. If you want just on OS then you will have to buy it.