Cannot Find Operation System discs for Any of the Computers

[kerrex_2006]

My Dad has been scrambling around the house and he can't find the Operation System discs for any of the three computers.

Is there any way we can get backups for any of the OS discs, or did we not get any in the first place?

[budz]

your computer specs list a dell computer. have your dad contact dell and give them your serial # thingy which is on the computer cases.

[johns0]

You can borrow a windows disc from a friend as long as you use your own key code which budz mentioned.

[Ai Haibara]

If they're more recent computers, within the last few years or so, they may have restore partitions instead of separate system restore discs. If that's the case, though, the system may also allow you to create at least one restore disc as well.

[ebenton]

Disks containing the OS for a computer, such as Windows XP, would be very difficult to obtain. Installing the OS from the disk requires that you enter a license key very early in the installation process. This license key is usually available on a sticker on the back of the jewel case in which the disk was packaged.
Unless you recorded the original license key and have stored it somewhere, it would be impossible to install the OS even from a copied disk, unless the original owner gave you the key, in which case you would be in violation of the EULA (End-User License Agreement).
If you originally had a complete installation CD, it might be possible to get one from Dell if you give Dell your computer serial number as mentioned earlier.
Given the risk of someone using the provided disk illegally, it seems unlikely that Dell would provide you with one, but you never know.

[PhoneMatt]

Dell will usually replace the OS disk for you, for a cost, if you call them and give them the model number and the service tag of your machine. I've found that, since most Dells don't call home, the restore disk from one Dell will work in most other Dells. You can use Belarc's Advisor to scan your machine and get the XP key, if you need it. (It's always good to keep a copy of it.)

Matt

[ebenton]

Dell will usually replace the OS disk for you, for a cost, if you call them and give them the model number and the service tag of your machine. I've found that, since most Dells don't call home, the restore disk from one Dell will work in most other Dells. You can use Belarc's Advisor to scan your machine and get the XP key, if you need it. (It's always good to keep a copy of it.)

Matt

The only problem with running Belarc Advisor might be that if you need to reinstall XP, your OS is probably screwed up or non-existent, and you might not be able to run Belarc Advisor or Regedit or anything else.

[oldandinthe way]

You may not be able to borrow a windows disk from a friend, even with a proper key for your system.

Many Windows restore disks are married to a given manufacturer's system, sometimes a specific model, and sometimes they derive the key from serial number and model information stored within the computer.

The best bet is contacting the manufacturer of the system. You will probably have to pay for restore disks. They may or may not be usable on more than one system you own.

Even purchasing a retail package of the O/S might not get you going quickly because all of the drivers required for a specific system may not be present on the Microsoft distribution.

If you have 3 computers running XP it's unlikely that all need to be reloaded unless you have been infected with a social disease. Time to take one which still runs and create restore disks. RTFM!

[handyguy]

Dell systems use bios activation, so they have their own set of disks. Why do you need these disks?

[kerrex_2006]

Dell systems use bios activation, so they have their own set of disks. Why do you need these disks?

Because my Dad was frantically looking for them, and he wouldn't shut up about them.