BleepingComputer.com: Need help Reformatting and reinstalling computer

Ok after some help from these forums I found out I have Virut virus so I now have to reformat and reinstall my computer.
The only problem is idk how to go about doing that.

I'm on a Compaq Evo N115 running Windows XP Home Edition.

Now I used to have a compaq presario 700 and it came with these QuickRestore discs. Would I need those discs for this computer in order to do this?

If so where can I find them?

Thank you very much in advance.

From http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quicksp...11059_div.HTML:

"System Recovery: Each unit is shipped with a CD kit for quick recovery (erases hard disk and restores manufacturer-installed image) and software recovery (installs only selected standard software)."

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/documen...=reg_R1002_USEN

Louis

Ok so I looked around and it seems that what I'm looking for is set of disc similar to those of the Presario called QuickRestore discs.

However I can't find them I tried the manfacture website for my PC and another website but nothing. I found them in one place but that post was over 4yrs old.

So does any1 know where I can find them? Or if I can reformat and recover without those specific discs.

You can reformat and reinstall XP...with any Microsoft XP install CD that is the same version as yours, providing that you have a valid license key to use with that install. The HP key you currently have...should suffice.

If you cannot get the restore disks...you can forget about anything other than a clean install.

FWIW: When you format a partition and reinstall XP...it's called a clean install. There will be no recovery of programs or files by doing this.

XP Clean Install, Stevens - http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

Clean Install Procedure with Illustrative Screen Captures - http://www.theeldergeek.com/xp_home_install_-_graphic.htm

Differences between a Quick format and a regular format during a clean installation of Windows XP - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/302686

Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows Windows XP Clean Install (Interactive Setup) - http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp

Louis

You can reformat and reinstall XP...with any Microsoft XP install CD that is the same version as yours, providing that you have a valid license key to use with that install. The HP key you currently have...should suffice.
^^^ Ok I have a couple of questions.

You said any xp cd that is the same version as mine. So since I'm on XP Home Edition that would mean i need and XP Home Edition cd that's what you meant right?


Also the sticker on the bottom of my computer is of a XP Pro which wasn't what I had I had Home so I recieved a correct valid key to use over the phone which I no longer have. So my second question is can I just buy a new XP home edition and use it's key?

This post has been edited by Oscarespinosa07: 15 July 2009 - 03:12 AM

You need to have the same version of XP that the license key you use is for. If your license key is for Home Edition, then you need to use a Home Edition disk, if your license key is for the Pro Edition, you need to use a Pro Edition disk.

If you can find an XP disk to buy you can use that disk and the license key that comes with it. Microsoft has quit shipping them to stores so it might be a little tricky to find one in a store. In my area, I only found one store that was still selling them and that was several months ago so I doubt if any are still available here, you can probably get one online though. I bought something from this site years ago and their site shows they are still selling XP, here is a link to the one I found...

http://www.softwareoutlet.com/Merchant2/me...duct_Code=r2233

Another option would be to borrow an XP Pro disk from someone and use the key on your computer to activate it.

Ok guys I'd like to thank you all my computer is up and running again.

I couldn't have done it without everyones your help thank you