Formating???

[jmeasy5]

I'm currently trying to re-install windows xp pro on my hp pavilion laptop which previously was running xp pro. I have a hp windows xp operating system cd that I'm trying to use to re-install. Every time I try and start up from disc, it tells me to insert the Restore Plus CD. I do not have the restore plus cd.

If I try and re-install while running windows, it will start all the required steps and then stop at the blue screens saying it had to stop to protect computer.

so my question is.

Is there a way to reformat my hd and re-install windows xp pro?

 

[XtremeNuker]

Buddy you should have a restore plus cd -unless HP copied in onto your HD and you formated it unknowingly.

 

[jmeasy5]

Its possible that I have formated over it, but I current ran through the same exact steps as I would with my desktop. Which I have re-booted on several occassions.

Also, the new thing that stores (Best Buy) are doing now is not including that disc and charging you to create one. So thats how I ended up disc-less.

All I'm trying to do is re-install windows xp pro and get a fresh start. If anyone can help I would greatly appreciated it!!! Thanks

 

[Elvandil]

You'll need to use the HP disk. They use a non-standard method of setting up partitions and the MBR and the normal XP CD will just not do it.

Besides, if the CD you are using is already installed on another machine, the same product key can not be used again, and the one on the machine will not work except on the original version licensed to HP.