reformat without disc

[GEEK WANNABE]

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?

[Adrynalyne]

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.

[bailmeout]

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.

[bailmeout]

Originally Posted by Adrynalyne

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.

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.

[Adrynalyne]

AFAIk its only that way for Windows XP.

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

[bailmeout]

Originally Posted by Adrynalyne

AFAIk its only that way for Windows XP.

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

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)

[sosaman]

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

[DavidGP]

Originally Posted by bailmeout

When is the longhorn due anyway. (im not hijacking the post)

possibly 2006 possibly not http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programme...ne/4215183.stm

[Adrynalyne]

Originally Posted by sosaman

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

Their laptops are an exception.

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

[Adrynalyne]

Originally Posted by bailmeout

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)

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

[GEEK WANNABE]

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.

[Adrynalyne]

Give me your model so I can look it up.

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

[bailmeout]

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

[sosaman]

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.

[sosaman]

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.

[GEEK WANNABE]

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

[Adrynalyne]

Use CD-Rs for this. They are cheaper and you don't want these to be rewritable anyway.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...dlc=en&lang=en

[GEEK WANNABE]

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?

[Adrynalyne]

This didn't work?

Creating a Recovery CD Set from a command prompt
Use the following steps to create a Recovery CD set without having Windows open:


NOTE: You cannot create recovery DVDs using this method.


Turn on the PC and repeatedly press the F10 key when the first screen appears.

When the recovery screen opens, click Advanced Options.

Press the Alt and the D key at the same time to go to a command prompt.

If the PC did not come with a memory card reader, type the following: d:

If the PC came with a memory card reader, type the following: h:

Press Enter and type the following: cd windows

Press Enter and type the following: cd creator

Press Enter and type the following (including quotation marks): "CD Creator.exe"

Click Start Creation and follow the directions to create the Recovery CD set.

[GEEK WANNABE]

No. I couldn't get into command prompt.