reformat without disc

Discussion in 'Software' started by GEEK WANNABE, Jan 30, 2005.

  1. GEEK WANNABE

    GEEK WANNABE Private E-2

    I purchased a computer (compaq) and it didn't come with windows xp disc. Is there a way I could download it from my computer so I have a backup in case there's problems in the future and I need to reformat? Problem 2- My system restore doesn't seem to work and it has in the past. I was having a minor problem with my computer so I went into system restore and tryed a few restore points and none of them worked. All I got was a message saying, system could not be restored to that point, please try another and so I did with the same result. Anybody have a suggestion?
     
  2. Adrynalyne

    Adrynalyne Guest

    Look through your documentation. There is a Compaq tools entry (or similar) on your start menu. There is a recovery disk creator.

    Its a one shot deal, it will only run once, so make it count.

    Usually takes 1 DVD, or 3-6 CDs.
     
  3. bailmeout

    bailmeout Specialist

    i don;t think it's possible to back up your windows. There are way to many files and you would have to make it into a bootable dics. As for system restore it will only let you restore as far as the last restore point you made e.g chaning/editing your registry. As for it not being able to go to a certain point you probably had the settings wrong on at that time. Well anyway i haven't got a clue what other problem could be. Run a diagnosis test or something.
     
  4. bailmeout

    bailmeout Specialist

    I had a compaq presario years back and it did have that what you mentioned but i didn't know you could actually save your platform onto a disc. interesting. Ah you learn something new every day. :)
     
  5. Adrynalyne

    Adrynalyne Guest

    AFAIk its only that way for Windows XP.

    My HP (HP/Compaq, same thing) OEM laptop came with a real XP CD :D
     
  6. bailmeout

    bailmeout Specialist

    xp is boring :) im on 2000 pro and its not as stable and good as for gaming but man was xp buggy or what really really buggy or maybe mine anyway. Even with all the patches and updates possible. When is the longhorn due anyway. (im not hijacking the post) :)
     
  7. sosaman

    sosaman Sergeant Major

    well, my compaq (which i bought around 10/04) prompted me to create a restoration disk (as mention), and it tooks 6 cd's to complete it. i also transferred the partioned part (restoration), wirelessly to my home computer (because that is where my dvd burner is), my compaq is secondary, in my study, and am burning it to a dvd as i speak.

    as far as i know, all compaqs, and hp's don't send out disks, they partition the hard-drive, and your restoration stuff is there. so, i'd assume it'd be gone if you had to reformat it? -sos
     
  8. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

  9. Adrynalyne

    Adrynalyne Guest

    Their laptops are an exception.

    I've bought two thus far and both came with either recovery media or an XP CD.
     
  10. Adrynalyne

    Adrynalyne Guest


    Is it me, or is there a conflict in what you are saying?

    First you say:

    im on 2000 pro and its not as stable and good as for gaming

    Then you say:

    but man was xp buggy or what really really buggy or maybe mine anyway.


    So, 2000 must barely run for you ;)
     
  11. GEEK WANNABE

    GEEK WANNABE Private E-2

    I found what is called, compaq system recovery. I believe this is what your talking about? If so, do I download to my dvd-rom or my cd writer? All I have is memorex cdrw is this all I need to download to? Thanks for the help. With the system restore problem, I set a system restore date for today and lets see what happens. The computer would set dates by itself but those don't seem to work anymore.
     
  12. Adrynalyne

    Adrynalyne Guest

    Give me your model so I can look it up.

    I thought it was called a recovery disk creator or similar.
     
  13. bailmeout

    bailmeout Specialist

    No i mean my 2000 runs pretty well, I just don't like the feel of it. Xp was buggy tho and yes it did sound a bit funny. Since everyone says 2000 is unstable and poor for gaming. Anyway, i however always change my mind and can't stick to one thing :p
    Explaining myself nicely hehe
     
  14. sosaman

    sosaman Sergeant Major

    geek wannabe, i'd create the restoration disk on something your not going to erase accidentally (sp), i guess you could do it on rw's?, normally your computer sets restore times/dates when it's idle (not alot of activity going on).

    and adrynalyne, i've yet to work on any hp/compaq laptops, but that's nice to know.
     
  15. sosaman

    sosaman Sergeant Major

    compaq system recovery <-- i think that's the reinstallation??

    i can't get on mine right now, someone is sleeping in there, so i can't tell you the exact name, i believe adrynalyne is correct though.
     
  16. GEEK WANNABE

    GEEK WANNABE Private E-2

    Here's my model Compaq Presario SR1214NX. What is better to download it on than a CDRW?
     
  17. Adrynalyne

    Adrynalyne Guest

    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 30, 2005
  18. GEEK WANNABE

    GEEK WANNABE Private E-2

    You got me in the right direction except that i don't have a Recovery CD Creator anywhere in my computer. Anybody know what to do next?
     
  19. Adrynalyne

    Adrynalyne Guest

    This didn't work?

     
  20. GEEK WANNABE

    GEEK WANNABE Private E-2

    No. I couldn't get into command prompt.
     
  21. Adrynalyne

    Adrynalyne Guest

    Why?

    Start, run, cmd.exe

    Click ok.
     
  22. GEEK WANNABE

    GEEK WANNABE Private E-2

    The process they laid out doesn't work in command prompt.I found cd creator.exe in search files and folders and when I opened it, it said, no recovery partition found. process aborted.
     
  23. Adrynalyne

    Adrynalyne Guest

    Thats bad.

    To get a backup of your software now, you would have to call Compaq for it.

    You probably already guessed it--it isn't free.
     
  24. GEEK WANNABE

    GEEK WANNABE Private E-2

    This computer is only 2 months old. They should give me a copy. I've been trying to get ahold of compaq support but I can't get a phone number. I suppose I'll have to try best buy as well.
     
  25. Adrynalyne

    Adrynalyne Guest

    Best Buy wont be able to help.

    The reason Compaq will charge you is for the price of the media and shipping. The recovery partition is missing because its corrupt, or proably--missing. Did you buy an open box computer from BB?

    If you can get it free, more power to ya. I'm cheering for ya on that one :)
     

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