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Computer needs to be formatted, didn't come with software

Discussion in 'BBS Hangout' started by JPM0016, Jun 24, 2004.

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  1. JPM0016

    JPM0016 Member

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    i have an Hp pavilion computer, that is about 2 years old now. I had a couple of trojans on my computer this morning that forced me to delete files that were determined uncleanable. Most of these files were under the sound/volume, but some came from windows and many different program files.

    Anyway, my HP didn't come with software that would allow me to format and reinstall windows, unlike my old gateway computer. Is there another way HP has setup the computer that allows me to format and reinstall the software

    Or, am i going to have to cough up the 60 bucks and take it to best buy.
     
    #1 JPM0016, Jun 24, 2004
  2. Sattle

    Sattle Member

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    I would go out and buy a copy of Windows XP before taking it to bestbuy, that way if you have problems again you can re-install.
     
    #2 Sattle, Jun 24, 2004
  3. JPM0016

    JPM0016 Member

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    i can't afford a copy. Is there a way to wipe out the sysytem through HP?
     
    #3 JPM0016, Jun 24, 2004
  4. Supermac34

    Supermac34 President, Von Wafer Fan Club

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    If it did not come with the system restore disk, I think you can have them send you one.

    Also, some HPs have a partitioned part of the hard drive for a system restore.
     
    #4 Supermac34, Jun 24, 2004
  5. Sattle

    Sattle Member

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    If you format the hard drive, you need either an operating system to install or the original recovery disk that came with your CPU. You should also be able to purchase the recovery disk from HP direct. It should only cost $20-40, I think. What's the model number of your HP computer? Maybe someone has the same model and they can burn you a copy of the recovery disk.
     
    #5 Sattle, Jun 24, 2004
  6. JPM0016

    JPM0016 Member

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    i know it can be done. A friend who has a similar HP was able to do so about a year ago. It came with no software yet he formatted it and was able to reinstall XP. The only problem is i haven't spoke to him in quite some time.
     
    #6 JPM0016, Jun 24, 2004
  7. rockHEAD

    rockHEAD Member

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    do a google search or check some HP forums? good luck
     
    #7 rockHEAD, Jun 24, 2004
  8. KaiSeR SoZe

    KaiSeR SoZe Member

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    You can still format your computer without the Windows cd through dos, partition magic or a similar program. When you want to reinstall it you WILL need the Windows cd, maybe you can borrow one from a friend or something
     
    #8 KaiSeR SoZe, Jun 24, 2004
  9. bobrek

    bobrek Politics belong in the D & D

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    My HP did not come with an (re)install CD, but it did come with the capability to create one which I did the day I bought it.

    Have you tried to use the Windows system restore feature to restore your computer to an earlier time? This is available in XP and was available in ME (can't remember about versions prior to that).
     
    #9 bobrek, Jun 24, 2004
  10. JPM0016

    JPM0016 Member

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    What i ended up doing was running the Non Destructive system recovery program. It basically reinstalled windows, and it kept my data on the computer.

    If this doesn't solve the issue i'll have to purchase the full recovery cd mentioned on an above post.

    so far so good. Thanks guys for all your help!
     
    #10 JPM0016, Jun 24, 2004
  11. DJ JFive

    DJ JFive Member

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    My HP Pavilion is a little over a year old and it didn't come with a restore disk nor did I make one. Then again, I have XP Home (full) software. I think HP should start making the restore disks, I bet they get flooded with questions regarding this very problem.
     
    #11 DJ JFive, Jun 27, 2004
  12. Rockets2K

    Rockets2K Clutch Crew

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    HP does ship their machines with restore disks.
    as does Compaq, Emachines, Packard Bell(defunct), and Dell.

    I have never seen a name brand computer that has OS and software preinstalled come without the necessary disks to reinstall everything back to factory condition.

    as was stated before...all of those manufacturers have an option thru their websites to buy a reinstall disk if you dont already have one.

    find your model number/serial number and go to their support section and do a search
     
    #12 Rockets2K, Jun 27, 2004
  13. JPM0016

    JPM0016 Member

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    My gateway computer came with 3 discs, one for the OP System, one for drivers, and one for software.

    This HP came with nothing. I read the manual and it said i would have to call them to get it.

    The Non Destructive recovery i ran is only a temporary solution. I'm hopefully going to get it formatted this week. I've got 512 RAM and at times it sure doesn't seem like its performing up to that standard. It was freezing up this afternoon. I had to go into msconfig from safemode and remove 2 programs from the startup just so it would run.
     
    #13 JPM0016, Jun 27, 2004
  14. JPM0016

    JPM0016 Member

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    Also; i had a music folder that contained 13 gigs of music. After i ran the recovery i lost all my data in that one folder. I was able to keep the music i had in the "Shared Folders" from a couple of p2p programs, along with my torrent folder, but this one was completely wiped out.

    I can't delete it, rename it or move it to another location. Each time i click on it, it says the following

    Music Folder is not accessible

    Access is Denied


    i'm not sure why, any ideas on how to delete it?
     
    #14 JPM0016, Jun 27, 2004
  15. KaiSeR SoZe

    KaiSeR SoZe Member

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    are there any programs open that are using that folder like a p2p program or something similar? that maybe it
     
    #15 KaiSeR SoZe, Jun 27, 2004
  16. JPM0016

    JPM0016 Member

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    no, none. thats why i'm confused. No programs are using that folder.
     
    #16 JPM0016, Jun 28, 2004
  17. FrancisFan

    FrancisFan Member

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    Check to see if you have rights to that folder. To do so:
    - right click on folder
    - properties
    - Security tab
    - view users

    if their is no Security tab:
    - Control Panel
    - Folder options
    - "view" tab
    - scroll down
    - uncheck "Use simple file sharing"
     
    #17 FrancisFan, Jun 28, 2004
  18. JPM0016

    JPM0016 Member

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    there is no "Use simple file sharing" option
     
    #18 JPM0016, Jun 28, 2004
  19. FrancisFan

    FrancisFan Member

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    My bad..you have XP Home Edition...

    Let's go to Command Line:
    - "Windows Key" and "r"
    - type "cmd" ENTER

    We'll use a command prompt cacls with views and changes windows control access list. Type "cacls /?" for help with it.

    Type "cacls drive:/folder/whatever" (replace the second part) use the above help stuff to to find what the output means.
     
    #19 FrancisFan, Jun 28, 2004
  20. JPM0016

    JPM0016 Member

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    using the command prompt isn't my strongest suit. I've got the file loaded up but am not sure how to place it under the option "Full Control". I've tried typing it in a few ways but am not getting it right
     
    #20 JPM0016, Jun 28, 2004
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