StarDestroyer.Net BBS

Ok, so my parents' computer is totally tanked, overrun by spyware, 0wned, whatever. I need to reformat and reinstall Windows XP on their computer; the problem is, when they bought their computer, it came with XP preloaded. They didn't get a disc. Do I have any recourse (the OEM or MS owing them a disc or whatever), or mus I pony up 100$ for an XP Home CD?

The computer should have come with a rescue CD.

If you don't have one, try and demand a disc from whoever you bought it from. Not some rescue disk, an actual XP install disc.

You paid for XP when you bought that machine, you should have got a disc, much as they might like to tell you otherwise.

Whomever was responsible for the warranty should be able to sell you the recovery disks at extremely low cost. They are always good to have, and always ask for a set when you purchase, or if you are still under warranty, they might be free of charge.

If the computer still posts when you turn it on, you should be able to hit F11 (or one of the function keys) to access the bios and repair options, including a complete reinstall, as in it will reformat and return the computer to as-bought condition.

The window for access is brief; it can actually be set in the bios to delay booting so you can actually look at the initial loading screen, and if you're set for a five second window you might miss it; it can only be caught just after turn-on.

Not knowing exactly how your computer is set up, I can't say where this is exatly; I think I saw it as the >Del< key once, but could be wrong on this.