I'm surfing around on the Microsoft website reading about various things to educate myself on computers more

I am also looking where I might possibly be able to purchase an XP CD (preferrably SP3) just in case I ever needed to reformat or restore corrupted files or anything like that, as my computer did not come with disks. I do have a disk from an old XP laptop, but that should probably just stay with the laptop

Could anyone point me in the right direction for this? I think it would be a good idea to have, just in case

XP SP3 OEM $134.99
Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP3 32-bit for System Builders - OEM

Thanks AdvancedSetup I have the Home edition, though. Does this matter?

So Microsoft doesn't sell it directly then, huh? I still haven't found it on their website.

That's a little hefty, but if I ever need it I know where to get it

You don't want to wait forever. I'm pretty sure there is a "no more retail sales" date out there for XP. I believe the main advantage of full XP discs (either Home or Pro) is the ability to do repair installs. If you don't need that, you might be able to backup your OEM recovery partition on to a DVD which would give you protection from hard disk failure.

The pro version has tools and utilities that the Home version does not. Yes if you do want it then you better get it soon. As soon as the supply is gone you won't be able to get it.

@ Calintexas

Thanks for your response

Er, what does that mean, esp the OEM recovery partition part? I am kind of computer illiterate still in some respects

@ AdvancedSetup

Oh okay, cool So are you saying that if I DID need to reformat/replace files, etc, it would be okay to use the Professional CD even though I have the Home version?
Eh yeah. I'll order as soon as possible, hopefully within the next month or two (several biggie things to pay for already this month which take precedence... heh).

Well it might be better to invest in a copy of Windows 7 when it's out and others provide more feedback on how to upgrade it.
An upgrade copy is about $200 but then you have the latest OS and a legal copy.

Couldn't Windows 7 be a problem for older PC's (those made say a year or more before Vista came out) as a number of hardware suppliers chose not to provide updated drivers for Vista (and thus Windows 7)?

As far as the recovery partition: If your PC didn't come with discs, there's likely a partition (possibly hidden) that has the files needed to restore your PC to the "as provided condition". It might be possible to back that partition up to a DVD. If it is possible, there should be information in the materials that you got with the PC, or on the manufacturer's support site. I don't have a lot of experience with this as the only PC I've bought without discs was an eMachines/Gateway that had a visible partition and asked if I wanted to create a backup disc when I first turned it on.

Amazon.com is having some copies of windows XP SP3.
Please try.

@mountaintree: What manufacturer is your PC made by (HP, Gateway/eMachines, Dell etc) and what year, if you can recall, was it purchased?

@ Exile

Dell

2005 or 2006, maybe 2004 or 2003.

Aw heck I'll ask as soon as I have a chance. I think 2005 or 2006 though.

Ok, since it's a Dell this should be easy. PM me the Service Tag number, located on a sticker on the bottom and I can find out if it has a recovery partition and how to burn the recovery discs if it does .

Oh sweet, will do as soon as possible Exile.

Uhmmm I don't think the computer burns CD's, though He got a bare bones model, but maybe you know a way around that

If it has no CD burner then it came with a Dell Installation CD (probably a few of them, but one will be labeled as a Windows or Operating System installation disc).

He said it didn't come with a CD. :/

Uhm, how could I find out if it burns CD's or not?

Look at the front of the drive tray and if it says CD-RW then it's a burner as well as a reader, if it only says CD Rom then it's just a reader.

A work around (if there is a recovery partition) is a USB connected external burner. There are many in the $50 to $75 range at Newegg.