Is it possible to format my computer if I lost the format/backup disc that came with it along with cd drivers?

June 14, 2006 11:31 AM

Is it possible to format my computer if I lost the format/backup disc that came with it along with cd drivers?

My computer has been acting rather funky as of late. For example, 'msconfig' is nowhere to be found, my registry often gets locked and my internet connections keeps going in an out. At first I thought I had spyware/malware/virus.. etc, but that doesnt seem to be the case. I've scanned my system multiple times with hijackthis, adaware, avg and nod32, none of them found anything.

I think I should simply just format my computer and go back to zero, however, I cannot find my reinstall disc nor my drivers discs anywhere. Is there a way around?

Dell Dimension DIM9100
XP Pro SP2

Thank you in advance!

posted by cheero to Computers & Internet (5 answers total)

Dell offers driver downloads on their website. Here's the page for your system. As for reinstalling XP, the main thing you need is your registration key (or whatever you call it... the code you enter while installing). If you have that, or can get it from Dell or MS over the phone, you can reinstall from any XP cd you can find. Or you could do something illegal, but I don't endorse that.
posted by gsteff at 11:37 AM on June 14, 2006

Before you reformat the hard drive, visit the support section of Dell's website with your computer's serial number to download drivers for your hardware. This is easier to do before rather than after you lose your network connection (until you reinstall drivers).

You can buy a copy of Windows XP SP 2 from any office supply store. If you have a friend with a copy of the disc you can use the license key on your computer to reinstall the OS. Either option will let you boot from the CD and reformat the hard drive to reinstall the operating system.
posted by Mr. Six at 11:37 AM on June 14, 2006

You can call Dell tech support to get a new Windows OEM disc. For drivers, just hit up their website. Go to 'support', or 'downloads' (can't remember which it is) and enter the service number on the side of your computer. The disks should ship in a few days. Don't ask for help, just tell them you lost your copy, and require a replacement. There shouldn't be any charge.

But, msconfig not running is a common symptom of malware/trojans. Are you running your scans from your regular account? Many types of spyware won't show up if they are active. If this is the case, log into safe mode, and run adaware/spybot/antivirus client and see what you get. The log back in as normal and scan again. Repeat as required.

ON PREVIEW: God dammit. What everybody else said, then.
posted by Drunken_munky at 11:47 AM on June 14, 2006 [1 favorite]

You can use Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder (silly name, I know) to discover your Windows/Office Product-Key/CD-Key/Serial etc.
posted by unmake at 12:53 PM on June 14, 2006 [2 favorites]

You can buy a copy of Windows XP SP 2 from any office supply store.

You can, but you're intitled to a free copy for your computer. Call dell and ask them to send you a new one.
posted by delmoi at 1:57 PM on June 14, 2006