2. Another problem we have had is the Uninstallation of Windows XP, My Dad's Laptop needs to be Re-Installed but he wishes to Uninstall everything first (which means he pretty much wants his Laptop but he wants it like he just baught it, as in he wants to start all over again!, We do not have the disk for the Uninstallation but I was on to the Pcworld.com Website and they showed me a video of Uninstalling Windows XP, they said that I needed a disk to do the task that I am willing to do, but he also stated that it can be done at the start-up using "hidden files" We do not know where these "hidden files" are but we wish to find out as soon as possible also, We use Windows XP Home Edition if that helps.
Hi Gary……
We do not have the disk for the Uninstallation <——— Not Good.
It seems that you or your Dad is asking to do something that's kinda backwards or the long way to accomplish the task.
Most often if an owner/user wanted to "start over from factory settings", they would simply Format Drive C:\ , which would "wipe out" everything, you'd lose Data, Files, Operating System, Drivers, Updates, etc.
Then the owner/user would insert the XP operating System CD provided by the computer Manufacturer to begin the installation, and then use the Driver's CD from the Manufacturer to install the chipset and peripheral drivers.
Are you able to do that?
Hmmm, I know it isn't a good start, It's bad! We do not have the OS (Operation CD), Which is a huge let back, But I recently saw a video saying about some hidden files on the Laptop itself, Do you know anything about these?
Sure. Many machines come with a somewhat "hidden" partition as Drive D:\
The manufacturer supposedly puts a backup to the Operating System installation on Drive D:\ that can be used by the owner/user for "Recovery Console".
Do you have such a Drive D:\ on that machine?
Not Good.
go to My Computer - Tools - Folder Options - View
be sure there is a Mark(tick) in "Show hidden files and folders"
________________
be sure to "Remove" any Mark(tick) in: "Hide protected operating system files"
_______________
Now do you see any additional Drive(s) listed in My Computer?
Reboot that machine and immediately start continuously tapping F8, until the Master Boot Menu appears.
It will be a Black background with white typing.
It will have options like:
SAFE Mode
SAFE Mode with Networking
Command Prompt only
Normal
and maybe a few others.
I am interested in the "few others"
Is there an item for — ?
Last Good Configuration
Recovery Console
System Restore
System Recovery
Please "type out" the items that appear in that list.
This is exactly what comes up on the Monitor:
Windows Advanced Options menu
Please Select an option:
Safe Mode
Safe Mode with Networking
Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Enable Boot Logging
Enable VGA Mode
Last Known Good Configuration (your most recent settings that worked)
Directory Services Restore Mode (Windows domain controllers only)
Debugging Mode
Start Windows Normally
Reboot
Return to OS Choices Menu
Use the up and down arrow keys to move the highlight to your choice.
Without the Installation CD(s) or Manufacturer's "Restore CD(s)" you won't be making any headway with this machine. Manufacturer "Restore CD(s)" are sometimes as cheap as $20 sent to the original owner with verification that you are the original owner.
As an alternative, you could purchase the "Retail" version of XP to perform a Reformat and Clean Installation. (Retail XP home is around $199, and Retail XP Pro is around $299)
If the machine is currently "operable", you might just want to clean it up a little.
Clear out the Junk and Temp files.
Uninstall the applications that you no longer use.
Save important Documents, Files, and Media
Defrag the Hard Drive
Then consider what other enhancements you'd like to make to keep it as a good running machine.
Hmm, Ok mate, where would I be able to find this place on the internet to get the CD(s) sent out to me? We have a Dell Inspiron Laptop, would you be able to provide a link or somthing? Or if I could find someone else with the same disk would it be able to run on the Laptop I am trying to re-install?
Dell CD(s) are "tattooed" to make them "specific" to the computer machine that they are shipped with.
Dell Cd(s) are know as OEM (Original Equipment Manufaturer) versions to accompany only the machine they are first installed on.
Dell will sometimes sell the XP CD to the original owner for about $30.
Dell drivers can be downloaded directly from the Dell site if you still have your Service Tag number on the side of the case.
Dell is usually pretty good about sending the Installation CD and Driver Backup CD with the original packaging of the machine when you first receive it.
It might be worthwhile to spend some time looking for the CD that matches that machine.
