XP disks, systems & drivers and boot disks

[Flaxton]

This is probably a really basic question, but Windows XP is completely new to me after using Windows 98 for 5 years.

Out of necessity, I've just bought a new computer with Windows XP for the first time - It's a Packard Bell I XTREME 6080 PC -
and I knew some of the software was missing as the price was reduced because of that, but I wasn't bothered because I don't play games, etc. But I was surprised to get it home and see that there was no Windows XP disk, drivers disk or boot disk in there. The box label did say an operating system disk should be enclosed. Those were the essentials I needed, I thought - otherwise what would I do if the system broke down?
There's no information about this in the literature and nobody I know has XP but it's been suggested to me I'm still living in 1998 and you don't actually get these disks with Packard-Bell XP computers - that you're supposed to create your *own* safety-back up Windows XP, systems/drivers and boot disks using the cd-burning-drive. I do indeed have a 'My CD Writer' programme.
So is this right?
If so which are the correct folders that the actual XP programme and drivers are installed, and how do I make my own boot disk? I can't find any kind of back-up programme.

Any advice, please?

Sorry for being so very un-computer-savvy!



PS: The brief brochure says that Windows XP is trying to reduce software piracy, and using 'the product activation' system "which allows you to install Windows XP on only one computer. "You can activate your copy of Windows either During Setup, or by clicking Start-All Programs-Activate Windows."

Again, the implication here is that there *is* no XP start-up disk with these computers. And there's no more information than that.
But it seems so weird - and makes me nervous - not to have any back-ups! (Especially when there's no real information as to how to correctly create them.)

[slauhter]

Hi,

With the Packard Bell machine as with most mainstream manufacturers.
They do not supply any system disks as such, but the Hard Drive is split in two, with part of it containing the Windows install, including drivers and software.
If you go START/PROGRAMS/PC-TOOLKIT I think you should see SYSTEM RESTORE and or Recovery CD Creator.
Recovery CD Creator may be a part of System restore.

However if you windows starts playing up you just run System restore to re-install Windows.
But I would use the recovery CD-Creator to make the CD's usually around 3.
As if your HDD fails out of Warranty you will have to purchase these to re-install from then on.

Please call your Packard Bell helpdesk for detailed instruction on creating these CD's.

[Flaxton]

Thanks so much for your prompt help, Slauhter - it's quite comforting to know that system disks weren't *supposed* to be supplied - I suppose I'm just used to Windows 98 doing it all for you with a big folder of boot disks, recovery diskettes and the like, and presuming things were still done that way.

I do indeed have System Restore which allows me to restore my computer to an earlier time to reverse harmful changes - found that, thanks; though there's no PC Toolkit in my Programmes, and no Recovery CD Creator to be found anywhere.

I'll have to go hunting for the drivers and software on my Hard Drive and see how I do.

[bassmike1]

Flaxton
I share your apprehension. I, though am further upstream with less thatn a broomstick. I purchased thru Ebay, a custom system.
XP loaded with lotsa hardware but no OEM Xp as I was promised
nor drivers for the hardware including DVD burner. I, too will have to purchase an OEM XP disk if anything goes down. At least you have a "manufacturer" to consult with-my guy that promised support if now absent from Ebay and hasn't answered emails. lotsa luck MIke

[njovin]

System restore is not what you should be after. Most mainstream computer manufacturers include a set of emergency restored CDs. Usually, you insert the cd, boot to it, and it "ghosts" the original drive image back to the computer. What this does is restore your computer to the exact same condition it was in the day you took it out of the box. You lose all of your files, but you get the OS and all pre-installed programs back.

In my opinion, it is VERY important to have these disks. In the event of a serious OS problem you will need them. For the reason that they provide these disks, most large manufacturers do not supply drivers for their hardware. I would contact Packard Bell (I didn't even know they were still around) and request a new set of disks. They should supply you with them free of charge as part of your warranty.

[Flaxton]

Mike, thanks. You know, if the Ebay seller didn't provide everything he promised to he's obliged to do so or refund you - you should contact Ebay about this as they'll still have his contact details and will be able to chase him up. You had a legal contract with him - he had to provide what he said he would.

Have you got System Recovery in your programmes?

Since I last posted I've had someone in the industry tell me that these Packard-Bell machines definitely don't come with XP, systems & drivers and boot disks at all. System Recovery is it - all you're supposed to use, whatever goes down and it restores everything to a pre-damaged state. Too late now but he didn't recommend them, and said I should have got a Dell which he said includes a full set of recovery-type disks, a three year guarantee and next-day repairs if it goes wrong. (Mind you, most of the reviews of Dell's services on Epinions are by no means encouraging ...)

If you paid a lot for that Ebay deal though, I'd definitely chase it up with Ebay, if it wasn't too long ago.

[Flaxton]

"System restore is not what you should be after. Most mainstream computer manufacturers include a set of emergency restored CDs. Usually, you insert the cd, boot to it, and it "ghosts" the original drive image back to the computer. What this does is restore your computer to the exact same condition it was in the day you took it out of the box. You lose all of your files, but you get the OS and all pre-installed programs back.

In my opinion, it is VERY important to have these disks. In the event of a serious OS problem you will need them."


Njovin, this is what I felt - if something goes *seriously* wrong it seems inevitable that there'll be real trouble - but I've had a number of people (including in the computer industry) tell me now that Packard-Bell simply don't supply these disks any more with any of these computers. I'm not comfortable with it ...

Unfortunately, I needed a new computer very urgently. My last one broke down quite suddenly, and, because for work I have to keep writing and emailing things off, and have email functioning every day to receive mails regarding work, I had to get one really quickly - and not wait two to four weeks for delivery. So it was a case of an urgent visit to Dixons and having to grab what *seemed* to be best and what I could have on my desk at home within three days maximum. And not only are Packard-Bell still around, Dixons are mostly crammed with them ... they seem to be the main computers they sell.

[bassmike1]

Yeah-I've got a sysem restore and have actually had to use it once already but the necessity of buying my own OEM is evident. Like the guy in another thread who used his buddy's Office cd,
there's usually one "right" way to do this thing-otherwise it's only
a matter of time-we all learn at our own pace. Me too. Thanks for your help.

[Flaxton]

I must admit, the assurance that this computer didn't come with such a thing seems rather compromised by the fact that the box lists:


"Software included:

OS: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP1, Outlook Express, Internet Explorer"


I'm just wondering what my rights are going to be when Dixons ring me back and continue to tell me that no, it doesn't need one, or try to get out of it by saying that it was sold a little cheaper because the software was incomplete. (Yes, but I hadn't a clue that *that* one was missing ...)

[njovin]

Flaxton -

The one thing that MUST be included is the Product Key for your copy of XP Home. All computer manufacturers include this with their machines. It is a small rectangular sticker with a barcode, a hologram, and a product key (in the form xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx). It will also say "Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition" on it if that is your version. This essentially proves that you "license" for XP is valid. It should be stuch somewhere (usually on the back) of your machine. As long as you have that number, if you can get your hands on any copy of the XP Home Disc, you can re-install. I would even contact MS and tell them you have a product key and valid license but no disc, they may have some way of sending you a replacement.

[Flaxton]

Aha! Thought there wasn't one for a minute, but I've found it - very well hidden indeed on the side and low down. So that's good advice; thanks - I'll probably try this or get the shop to. If I did it myself, would I approach MS via their website ... ?

[bassmike1]

Question-is this discussion about a boot-up 3.5 disk or one's
copy of an OEM XP cd? I was told I'd get the OEM software and have not but have located my registration/key sticker-same question-contact MS?

[Flaxton]

Well, when I bought it I was *presuming* I'd get a disc with XP on it, a systems and drivers disc and a boot disc of some sort because that's the kind of package I was used to with Windows 98 - so I was asking about all these missing things. But njovin was, there, specifically referring to the XP Home disc, and getting a copy of that.

On the Software Included list on my box, the only things of this kind mentioned (neither there, of course) are that OS: XP disc and a disc for the computer's dvd player.

[blizey]

I didn't have the XP disc with my Hewlett Packard either. I called them and they sent them to me ( all 8 of them). I'm guessing the first 2 must be the OS and the rest are all the trial programs, games etc. that came pre-installed.

Actually, I have used HP Recovery D. It worked quite well. It did it all - reformat, install XP and the computer went back to how it was on the first day, with all the extra programs and games as well.

Once, the computer could not find the operating system. Fortunately, I had created a floppy boot disk and used it to find XP. I download this tool yesterday and plan to make a set of boot disks. http://www.pchell.com/tensteps/step2.html

If anyone has an idea of how the 8 recovery disks are supposed to be used, please point me in the right direction.

[Play_The_0dds]

alot of systems are comming preloaded with no restore disk, on-board restore systems suck. but if you look in your C: drive on these machines you may have a i386 folder, if so you have a installable copy of xp in the making.
http://www.nu2.nu/bootcd/
on that page are step by step instructions and all the files you need to create a bootable copy of xp, 2k, and a few others. i use the i386 to make a xp cd for people with hp, and other computers with on-board restore. it allows repair, and boot options you can get from a restore cd. remember, get a key finder to get your product key and write it down. you should have a sticker with your authentic ms sticker. you may need this to activate if you loose everything and have to reactivate.