How to install WinXP Home? (recovery CD no longer available)

[deadken]

I'm working on a Compaq S4300CL PC that my friend bought as a refurb. I replaced the HD and wanted to re-install the O/S, but of course he can't find the recovery CD's. I visit the Compaq S4300CL product page (http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/p...roduct=345875&) and it says to call to order recovery CD's. I spend over a half hour on the phone only to be told that they no longer carry them. Originally, I was told that they were $15-$25 and they needed some information to determine which ones I needed and how much they cost.

So, I have a 2.5Ghz machine with a new hard drive and no customer support. Anyone know where I can get an install CD? Should I assume that the C.O.A. wouldn't work with a retail WinXP Home install CD?

-Thanks in advance for any help you can suggest, Ken

 

[lxskllr]

I'd use bittorrent. You've made a best effort to play by the rules, and the rules have failed. You're correct that retail won't work with an oem key. I'd say your choices are torrent, or Ebay/Craigslist.

 

[deadken]

I was afraid of that. I will give him a bit longer to see if he can find any CD's that might have come with the PC. In the meanwhile I will look around and see if anything is out there on the internet. Perhaps there is some kind of Compaq Owners Group or something.

What are the odds of any Compaq Win XP Home recovery CD working? I don't care about the correct drivers or OEM applications. I just was wondering if there would be different recovery CD versions that would or would not work.

-Thanks, Ken

 

[lxskllr]

I'd say the odds are just about 100%. You can also use a generic oem, but you'll have to call MS to activate. It most likely won't web activate. The only thing I'd stay away from is using Dell on Compaq, or anything like that. It /may/ work, but I'd say it's the least likely of any of the oem options.