Question for Genious on computers,please help?

Question

I have an older Dell Opti Plex Desktop Comp GX1 with Windows XP on it,but comp is down and can't get into Windows ,or login screen,displays message missing file.Tried rebooting and don't help.Need step by step instructions on how to reformat.I have the XP home editon disk that came with my newer comp,but have misplaced key #.What should I do?Help please.Need a Tech's advise or someone who will give a positive answer.I reformated my Son's comp in the past and didn't need any disk,but have forgot how to do.

Answer 1

I am very very far, from being a "genius", but I do know one thing for sure>>>



To get your computer back to looking like new, do "a system recovery"

I do not have the disk either. My windows XP, was already loaded on my computer, when I bought it. These instructions, will clean everything off of your hard drive, so you must back up anything that you want to save. I have done this three times, and I got these instructions, from a computer tech. When starting your computer, tap the F-10 key. click on next-yes-and follow the instructions, that come up on your screen. When you are finished, your computer, will look just like it did, when you first bought it.Do these steps, in order, when finished.

1. set up windows firewall, in control panel

2. windows update (click express)

3. install your anti-virus program (update)

4. install anti-spyware (update)

Or you can use this program, to get your key number>>

http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

Answer 2

You should be able to call Microsoft and get the key # back.



If you don't want to use your Windows disk, then go and get a third party setup to reformat your hard drive. I've found that the Linux Live CDs work very well for this purpose. (Go to knoppix.com to download my favorite).



At any rate, you will at some point need the Windows key # in order to reinstall windows anyway, so you might as well get it now, unless you intend to buy a whole new copy of Windows.

Answer 3

With out that key you can't do anything, but at the same time if you have the disk and is an actual disk and not a manufacture recovery disk then you should be able to repair windows....without knowing what type of disk it is then I cannot give you further instruction

Answer 4

Well i would say try a system recovery ( press F10 on the start up ) but you said you couldnt login to windows so what i would do is get another copy of windows and dont lose the key! but you can search for a key on there internet! theres a key gen on this site www.dark-prince-take-over.org im not sure if it works but its on there, if that doesnt work try looking on google.

Answer 5

try booting into the recovery console....load the disc and when prompted select to load the recovery console, this will get you to a dos prompt....type in "fixboot" without the quotes and say yes, then reboot, this may fix the problem...if not then you'll need to find the key...or at least a working key for the disc, then you can activate over the phone and change theproduct key to a valid one at the same time.

Answer 6

you'll need the key,otherwise the cd mean nothing..



to reformat---->>

1.insert your cd. close the autorun. then restart.

2.after the bios loading, a message will appear said press any key. press any key.

3.then it will load all the drivers and etc.

4.there have written there whether you want to install@repair. press the install(enter).

5.click the partition you want to install then press enter.

6. format the partition in FAT32@NTFS, depends on you.

7. press f then there you goes.

8. it will load the installation to windows again.. walla..

Hope this can help you..

Answer 7

To reformat the machine, you will need the OS installation disks. If you don't have a key for the disks you have, you will have to purchase another.

Answer 8

as quickly as I observed this Q interior the backside panel without an avatar or demonstrate call I knew no one yet you will possibly spell genius incorrect ... Iq on a particular try would not count selection... the percentile counts... did they permit you comprehend? Oooh! Are you attempting for Mensa, it is pointless and the magazines are pointless yet you have bragging rights for existence... on the down factor, you're formally a 'mensan' ew.

Answer 9

Try booting into safe mode first to see if that works. YOu can do some diagnosis from there.