How do I get bootable windows xp cd?

Xarzu

Member
Apr 11, 2008
46
2
71
I have had a hard drive failure on an old (Sony VAIO 2001) Windows XP computer.
I have replaced the C drive with a new drive.

Now I need a bootable XP CD/DVD.

I have three CD's that came with the computer

  • System Recovery CD (the computer does not boot from this. I have already tried)
  • Application Recovery CD
  • Driver Recovery CD

I have searched on the internet for a solution. (see http://www.gelsana.com/xp.htm for a list of my search results)
So far, most of the sites I have found requires me to have an active Windows XP OS already to get files from.
One Microsoft site required me to use a series of floppy discs to use -- I do not have a floppy drive on the computer I am typing from now.

How do I get bootable windows xp cd?
 

HalfCrazy

Senior member
Oct 3, 2001
853
0
0
Make sure the 'boot' order is CD-ROM first and then hard drive. You can check this by entering the BIOS.

You can also call Sony and get Vaio Recovery Disks. There number should be 1-800-488-SONY There could be a small fee for it
 

Xarzu

Member
Apr 11, 2008
46
2
71
It seems one of the recovery CD's are missing. Sony does not sell them anymore. The nearest Sony store said that they would charge 100 dollars just to look at the computer. (Yep, I know, but the truth is stranger than fiction). What is a good way to buy a new XP?
 

HalfCrazy

Senior member
Oct 3, 2001
853
0
0
It seems one of the recovery CD's are missing. Sony does not sell them anymore. The nearest Sony store said that they would charge 100 dollars just to look at the computer. (Yep, I know, but the truth is stranger than fiction). What is a good way to buy a new XP?

Looks like a new WinXP Home OEM CD will cost ya $100. Once you reinstall windows remember to make a image of the hdd drive. :)
 

RadiclDreamer

Diamond Member
Aug 8, 2004
8,622
40
91
Just torrent the media and use your key, remember kiddies it isnt the media that matters its the key.
 

tcsenter

Lifer
Sep 7, 2001
18,946
571
126
I have three CD's that came with the computer

  • System Recovery CD (the computer does not boot from this. I have already
This should be the one you need. If you can't boot from it, something else is wrong. e.g. BIOS settings not correct, CD drive not working, something