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Thread ID: 68721	2006-05-08 22:18:00	Packard Bell - XP Home re-install ... help	SP8's (9836)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
453329	2006-05-08 22:18:00	Hi all. I have a Packard Bell which has had quite a hard life and want to format and re-install XP Home. Problems: The hidden XP files on the HD were transferred to CD which means I am unable to use the recovery disc and the the comp wont boot from the copied XP discs. Can anyone tell me how to get the XP Cab files back onto the HD? When trying to re-install the comp (hardware) needs to be exactly the same as when it left the factory - 3 yrs later and more than a few things added, I can't remember the original configuration. The original CD/DVD drive has died which means that I can't get back to original config unless I replace that drive with an identical unit. Is there any way around this ? Finally, I'm not all that confident with computer speak .... could anyone answering my questions please explain in very simple terms. Anyone in Dunedin that come come and help me out maybe ? Thanks in advance Dave.	SP8's (9836)
453330	2006-05-08 22:46:00	Thats a tricky one . I had a similar prob with a Packard bell here . BUT, I formatted the hdd completely, and reinstalled a full version on the hdd . Since the system was full of viruses/malware . And downloaded the drivers from the site online . You could try hooking the hdd thats installed now to a working PC, and connect it as a slave . Then copy whats on the cd (on another system, thats got a cd) . To a folder on your hdd, while its connected as a slave . It may have been the way you copied the files to the cd in the first place, why you cant boot from it . When u do a clean install .	Speedy Gonzales (78)
453331	2006-05-08 23:10:00	If the files are all locked up, just borrow someones XP disc, and install. You will need a CD key, you can get this from the recovery CD in the form of a config file, sometimes called an answer file, or try the number on the validation sticker on your PC. Guessing this will install OK, you will probally have to phone MS during the activation, only takes about 5-10 minutes.	Rob99 (151)
453332	2006-05-08 23:52:00	Hi Speedy & Rob . . . thanks for your replies . I have managed to get the thing to boot up and have the Master CD's and key . . . all legit . Speedy . . . want to do a full re-install and get rid of almost 4 yrs of rubbish 3 kids have managed to download ! My eldest decided he needed more HD space, made master CD's and, I assume, got rid of the cab files . I have another CD/DVD drive in the machine that works so there's no problem there . The only thing I'm unsure about is, Packard Bell say that everything has to be original config as it left the factory . . . . no sure "exactly" what that was, or if it really matters if i'm doing a clean install ? Don't want to get 1/2 way thru and find i've stuffed something up ! I know i've increased RAM, another CD/DVD drive, TV card, etc . . . but can't find the original config details anywhere . Dave .	SP8's (9836)
453333	2006-05-09 00:07:00	So, you've managed to install XP now, or not? Or are you still trying to figure out, how to copy the files you copied to cd back to a hard drive? I dont think just changing the cd would make any diff. Just so u can install XP. It may make a diff, if something else on the motherboard had been changed. I'm not too sure. I've never had to install an OEM version of XP, on a system. So, have you still got the cd you copied the files to, from the hard drive previously?	Speedy Gonzales (78)
453334	2006-05-09 00:37:00	Speedy . . . . I have XP on this computer and it works . . . sort of ! Because it has been played around with by the kids, I want to get everything off the HD, including XP (format) and re-install XP . I have floppy boot disc and OEM master CD's . . . Packard Bell say anything added to the comp must be removed and the comp put in it's original config . I'm just unsure whether that is for a "restore" process, or if it is for a format and clean re-install .	SP8's (9836)
453335	2006-05-09 01:02:00	If you can borrow a XP CD you will be fine. Else try to extract the i386 folder and make one your self.	Rob99 (151)
453336	2006-05-09 02:03:00	I have another CD/DVD drive in the machine that works so there's no problem there . The only thing I'm unsure about is, Packard Bell say that everything has to be original config as it left the factory . . . . no sure "exactly" what that was, or if it really matters if i'm doing a clean install ? I know i've increased RAM, another CD/DVD drive, TV card, etc . . . but can't find the original config details anywhere . . Ram and CD won't matter . It just won't do the Recovery if its got a different MB . You will have to add the drivers for your TV card after is all .	pctek (84)
453337	2006-05-09 02:48:00	Is it possible to create an XP O/S disk from XP itself? What i mean to say is that in the past i lost my orig, legit copy of XP, needed to re-install it and ended up buying another copy from Trademe.????	borax (7078)
453338	2006-05-09 04:52:00	Probally not unless someone has copied the i386 folder to the hard drive from the CD.	Rob99 (151)
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