Last ditch effort

After fighting the never ending war trying to find what is the problem with my computer ( see my past 9,999 postings) I decided to reload XP Pro, only to learn the disc is damaged and will not load.
Surfing the net for deals on a new disc, came across this ad.
http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/Boot-Manager-Disk/Windows-XP-Pro-Startup-Disk.shtml:drool
Old adage "You get what you pay for." sort of makes me hesitate.
Anyone with any knowledge of the program or its maker, distributor?
Thanks

Skysarge:-D

 

This only creates a 6 (floppy disk) set.

You can still find Windows XP Home or Pro on Amazon.

 

As Puppywunder58 said, it only makes the 6 floppies which then enables you to use your CD ROM to "finish" the Windows installation (I have the 6 floppy set).

Ebay also has WXP with COA for around $55.

 

I would advise going straight to the OEM (manufacturer) of your PC for recover discs.

Most will provide you with the CD-ROM, free of charge plus any shipping.

You can download the Service Packs directly from Micorsoft, and have SP3 installed before you even go online for any additional updates.

Note that the current end date of support for Windows XP is April 8, 2014.

 

Anything that requires using my XP program disc is no good. As I mentioned, that disc is no good, even a local repair geek could not load it.
I run a PC clone, no support from anyone

I did run across this
"Windows XP Pro (Dell Branded) Works On Any PC
This OEM software must be installed on a brand new or completely reformatted hard drive. It can not be used as an upgrade.
Contents of the Package:
--Microsoft Windows XP Professional Reinstallation CD (Dell version) works on all brands of systems or custom built systems. The media is a reinstallation CD, but it installs the complete program on any computer.
-Unique Product Key with certificate of authenticity which will validate with Microsoft
-System Builder Manual
This software is 100% genuine and will validate with Microsoft. It will also allow the latest updates from Microsoft including a free upgrade to SP3. The software is new sealed OEM."

Been thinking about a HD with more mem capacity. I am sort of a hoarder when it comes to deleting files and unneeded programs

Sarge

 

If you do not have a "Dell" branded computer, then the disk you are speaking of probably will not work.

I may be wrong, but I'll let the other experts chime in on this subject.

 

It will install XP. The OEM disk has some additional files specific to Dell equipment that are copied during the installation process but aren't necessarily used if you don't have that equipment on your computer.

I have a Dell Precision M70 that I've used both the OEM version I have and the Retail for refurbished PCs I have for reinstallation of Windows XP Pro. Both versions have worked. The only difference being with the retail version, I have to enter the product key. With the OEM, I don't because it's pre-activated. If skysarge's computer isn't a Dell, he would need to enter the product key during installation.

@skysarge,

One caveat — if you're going to purchase the version with SP2, make sure you get the SP3 installer as SP2 is no longer supported and you won't be able to get the security updates and some equipment may not work.

 

Just after my last reply on this, my computer began adding on problem on problem, and then began what a tech referred to as looping.
The shop that built it for me said that it was not reasonably fixable, and many of the components were either outdated, or very near so.
I got a used HPackard off him, he did not charge me for the TS time he had in the old unit.. Regretfully he did not get many of the files, etc I had on the old HD, nor several programs. I have the old HD, but not sure how I would copy anything off it. My understanding is it will not work with the HP.
I am trying to get Avast reloaded onto this computer, I had their licnsed upraded version) but they are telling me they have no record of my email address.
I want also to load Firefox as well as the Thunderbird email I had onto this one. That is giving me fits.
Anyway, thanks to all who offered suggestions and ideas in an effort to help me when the old unit was causing so many problems. Your efforts are greatly appreciated

Skysarge
If you got to go, go Airborne

 

I'm sorry to hear about the "old" pc. :cry

You can recover the files from the old HD (provided it's still working — apparently it is or I think the tech would have told you it's not). You'd need to purchase an enclosure that enables you to connect the HD by USB to your computer. Then just open the HD in Windows explorer and copy the files you want.

If you have the installers for the programs you want, you should also be able to re-install them to your current HD. If, however, the programs are installed on the old HD and you DON'T have the installers for them, then you'd need to download new installers.