Ugh How do you restart Windows with a CD?

[LizMarie]

My computer has been totally retarded so a friend was like you might need to start over new so I was like maybe I can clean up my computer and restart windows as if it was brand new but I don't have a disc.

Awhile back I had an error with windows and Dell walked me through resetting it but I can't remember she told me to do to save my life and I'm scared to call because they charged me like $50 for the consultation.

So does anyone know how to do it or where I can get a Windows XP disc?

 

[snowgyre]

Unfortunately, you're going to need a disk to do a disk repair (which I'm assuming is what Dell did). However, if the computer has been giving you issues for a while and you just need it as a word processor and internet machine, you can download and install a Linux derivative. Ubuntu and Kubuntu are pretty popular. Takes some getting used to, but Linux will never crash on you unless you manually delete system files yourself.

 

[LizMarie]

Thanks Vanessa but I think I found the CD is says Reinstallation CD Microsoft XP Home Edition Service Pack 2, does that sound like the right CD?

 

[snowgyre]

That should work. It's worth a shot anyways.

To get it to work:

Get into your CMOS settings. You either have to press ESC, F8, DEL, or whatever your computer prompts you to push at the beginning.

You have to change your boot-up sequence. It should be on IDE-0 as default. You need to put your CD-ROM as the primary boot device.

Restart.

Your Windows Disk will load. One of the options will be to scan/repair Windows. Do that.

 

[robin]

anyone know how to get into DOS during boot up using Vista? (i so hate vista)