skip to main content

Need help find WindowsXP on my computer?

16 years ago

When I got this computer, Windows XP was installed on it by the place it was bought at. I do not have the cd. Can anyone tell me where to look in this computer for it? (I have tried and can't find it). I would like to make a copy of it onto a cd.....is that possible?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Bree

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

owbist
16 years ago
Bree look on the side panel or top of the case and there should be a sticker there telling you Windows XP is inside and there should be a product key listed too.

Was this a new computer?
Was it local built?

Go to my link below and download the small SIW program. It does not need to be installed, just double click on the exe file and it will run. This will tell you so much about your computer it is amazing. On the first screen click the second choice down on the left side - Operating system. In the new window you will see it tells you if your is XP Pro or Home and if it is full retail or OEM - I suspect OEM but that is fine.

This is the top line on my computer, yours would look similar and hopefully say the service pack 2 is installed.
Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2

Look further down the right window and record the Product key (not the serial number as that is not so important) for future reference (this is the key that should be on the sticker somewhere on the outside of your case.

I would suggest confronting the vendor but at this stage we do not know what you purchased or what you paid

Here is a link that might be useful: Gregory Topala's SIW program
FLYONAWALL
Original Author
16 years ago
owbist: Thanks for the info but when I click on the download the SIW it says it can't execute it??
My computer was bought at Best Buy. It's a Sony Vaio. I do see that sticker on the bottom of the computer and it says it's an XP Home Edition and does have the product key listed.
Related Discussions
Windows XP, Internet Explorer, - No Clue
Q
Comments (4)
If they did that they would have a TON of windows updates to do plus likely all 3 service packs to deal with. Any of those items you listed try doing a google search for them and you will quickly find out what they belong to, or use a program like free start up lite by the makers of malwarebytes. StartUpLite avg= your antivirus is AVG? you do not want to stop that for sure. you can use a process library to find what each one is and does, what ever you do, DO NOT use a registry cleaner! if this is a dell then the dsca is a dell file C:\Program Files\Dell Support Center\gs_agent\custom\dsca.exe DSCA is Dell's remote-support app. If you're relying on Dell's remote-desktop support, do not delete it. but it does not need to be in your start up list. msseces.exe (Microsoft Security Essentials) are you using both AVG and Microsoft Security Essentials on your pc for Antivirus? if so you need to fully remove one of them you should only run one full time AV at a time that will cause conflicts. smax4pnp.exe (SoundMax controls) you can look up the rest of them there at the pcpitstop library if you want. another good free program that can help you with this kind of stuff is winpatrol WinPatrol
...See More
Need Current Malwarebytes Download for Windows XP
Q
Comments (32)
Ok this is simple now. Just use Google and type edit registry and millions of hits appear. Look through the first few and you will find many tutorials with good graphics showing step by step. You are nervous and rightly so because of all the warnings about messing up a registry. HOWEVER, this is nothing more than making a correction to a spelling error if you look at it that way. First time just go into the registry working down to the needed page. Once there you can walk away and grab a coffee if you feel stress, or you can make the simple correction to the one entry in question. Those of us who help others always need to stress the importance of caution in the registry because of those who are so impetuous. my ex son in law is a good example, he goes into a computer like a bull in a china shop. Luckily I do not have to clean up behind him anymore :) Now I have learned how to put stuff into a flash drive and save my files. Why? You are going to back up the registry as a precaution, nothing more. To save your work, assuming it is stored in My Documents. Insert the thumb drive, cancel the popup right click Start click Explore Now you see Windows Explorer opened Look near the top on the left side and right click on My Documnts click Properties in the pop up Look to see how large the My Documents folder is and if you have enough room on the thumb drive. We'll assume you have room. OK.... Click My Documents to highlight On the right side click the top item to highlight Hold down the Shift key and tap the End key now all the right side is highlighted right click anywhere on the highlighted data click Copy in the pop up Scroll down the left side now to find the thumb drive right click on it in the pop up click Paste and the contents are copied to your thumb drive - or any other drive you designate. Done! Simple huh?
...See More
Lost something on my computer screen - need help getting it back
Q
Comments (8)
snidely - thx - I bet that's why sometimes when I roll my mouse around the screen zooms in and out - I never knew why. I bet my cntrl key gets stuck at times. i know a few others do. time for a new keyboard I know. My son told me that last wk when he visited from out of state. He just shook his head at my keyboard. It's also missing a key or 2... I took some off to clean under them and lost a few... my E has the F12 'key' on it. that one had a piece break off underneath it... yeah, guess I'd better do that yet this wk before I'm caught without any keys that work. thx - I will try that (on purpose). lol!
...See More
need help restarting my computer please
Q
Comments (7)
hard drive failure... I might want to look in bios and try to assertain if the hard drive parameters are set correctly or maybe set it to automatic detect. If that's not it, probably open the case and unplug the cables to the hard drive and reinsert them, both on the hard drive and the motherboard. Something to start with anyhow. Could be something as simple as the time is set incorrectly or the cmos battery on the motherboard is old and needs replacing.
...See More
owbist
16 years ago
Ah, you bought a new computer from them. Good. Now we need a Sony Vaio owner to come along and tell you how to create a set of back up disks and you will be all set. Having never used a Sony I have no idea.
FLYONAWALL
Original Author
16 years ago
Well thanks so much for trying to help me as I greatly appreciate it!!! I'll just check back here and wait patiently for someone to help me.
abr4xii
16 years ago
After checking with the vendor as owbist suggested maybe
you could get a friend to make you a copy of their Win XP installation disk.
abr4xii
16 years ago
After checking with the vendor as owbist suggested maybe
you could get a friend to make you a copy of their Win XP installation disk.
randy_ca
16 years ago
How to Create a Bootable Windows XP Setup CD/DVD on a System with Windows Pre-loaded

Related Stories

SMALL SPACES Downsizing Help: Storage Solutions for Small Spaces

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Look under, over and inside to find places for everything you need to keep

SHOP HOUZZ Shop Houzz: Finding the Perfect Sofa

Sofas grouped by style, along with tips to help you figure out which one you want

FUN HOUZZ Houzz Quiz: How to Find Your ‘Me Time’ Place

Looking for the best place in your house to soothe away your stress? We’re here to help

KITCHEN APPLIANCES Find the Right Oven Arrangement for Your Kitchen

By KitchenLab Interiors

Have all the options for ovens, with or without cooktops and drawers, left you steamed? This guide will help you simmer down

HOME TECH Turn 'Obsolete' Tech Into Fun Home Help

Here's how to put your old Mac, Atari or Newton to work around the house

REMODELING GUIDES Key Measurements to Help You Design the Perfect Home Office

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Fit all your work surfaces, equipment and storage with comfortable clearances by keeping these dimensions in mind

COLOR Pick-a-Paint Help: 11 Ways to Mine Your World for Colors

By Laura Gaskill

Color, color everywhere. Discover the paint palettes that are there for the taking in nature, shops and anywhere else you roam

MOST POPULAR 9 Real Ways You Can Help After a House Fire

By Alison Hodgson

Suggestions from someone who lost her home to fire — and experienced the staggering generosity of community

HOUSEKEEPING Three More Magic Words to Help the Housekeeping Get Done

By Alison Hodgson

As a follow-up to "How about now?" these three words can help you check more chores off your list

DECLUTTERING Downsizing Help: How to Edit Your Belongings

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Learn what to take and what to toss if you're moving to a smaller home

Sponsored

More Discussions

Can I stop my modem from gathering and sharing our data?

12

UPS needed - which ones?

9

sound missing on Dell

3

Problems with Outlook 2013

0

Any suggestions for a very secure non-web-based email?

3