Restore disk

[Mytical]

Ok, my mom has messed up a computer beyond my hope of fixing it. Since it is a slightly older computer, I don't have a restore disk. Short of taking it into a shop, is there any way of having it restored?

[Chromatix]

My default option is to install Linux. If it doesn't have a 64-bit capable CPU, you could try the 32-bit alternative. While booted into the live environment, and before you start installing, you can copy important files to an attached USB drive.

Many store-bought computers have a "restore partition" baked into the hard disk. If you can find the manual for the computer, it should detail how to access it. There may also be prompts during the boot process about it. Expect that to wipe all data, however, so do backup (using a Linux Live CD as above) first.

The final option is to obtain a plain Windows install disc and use that.

[ComputerNecromancer]

If it's a brand name computer, check the company's web site. They *may* be able to sell you a restore disk.

[Mytical]

So far I've done my research, and looks like I can get it restored for relatively low cost at the local Staples store.

[EricKei]

Cool. If it's a laptop (or even some desktop types from places like Dell), google "modelname recovery partition" -- many have unintuitive ways to invoke said hidden hard drive partition, which will automate most of the process.

[It's me]

If it's a Windows machine you can use a generic Windows install disc to reinstall. You don't need the actual disc from the manufacturer. The product key is usually on a sticker someone on the outside of the computer... use that rather than the key might have come with the disc. If there is no sticker sometimes the key is printed on a card, or if the machine isn't complete toast it can often be recovered from the hard drive. Once Windows is loaded you can either let it figure out what hardware you have an pull updates from the Internet, or go to the manufacturer's site and download updates.

[artcurmudgeon]

Linux is always an option, Linux Mint is my choice for desktop.

if you are looking for an .iso to burn to disk

http://www.w7forums.com/official-win...ds-t12325.html

These are not pirated, they are legit .isos

[EricKei]

Yup. Linux distros are normally open-source unless they're commercial editions.

Note that Windows 7 discs contain ALL of the versions of 7 on one disc (Home/Pro/Ent/Ultimate), and Ultimate is what actually gets installed; it simply locks away features if you have a "lesser" version disc.

Windows CD's -- it depends. If the code was for an OEM version, it may or may not work, but it's worth a shot. OEM codes are generally licensed for one use only, and some CD's seem to have alterations that only allow one specific code to work (especially "branded" ones). Microsoft itself may flag them as invalid after the install, but give it a shot. OEM's have also been known to (supposedly) record the hardware configuration at the time of first activation, meaning that they may or may not work a second time if too many components have been changed.

That being said...Try it! It can't hurt