Reinstall XP without boot CD

Question

Hi,   I'm looking to sell my dimension on, and so want to wipe the hard drive properly and reinstall XP so that the lucky buyer gets a 'blank slate' to work from. Problem is, I've lost most of the Cds that came with the machine. Any way to download a copy or reinstall etc without one?   Many thanks,   Go_Ape

russell_314 · Answer

You did not say what model Dimension you had but if it's a newer model it might have Dell PC restore.  This would allow you to 'reinstall' Windows without a CD.  However you could not 'wipe' the hard drive since this would also remove the PC restore program.    To the best of my knowledge you can't download a legal copy of Windows XP.  You could either ask Dell for a Windows CD or look on eBay.

GimmeShelter · Answer

http://dban.sourceforge.net/   I've never used this, but I've read some pretty good user comments about this 'boot nuke' thing...  It is supposed to securely wipe the harddrive completely; or so it says anyways...  maybe somebody who has used it can jump in and comment.   At least you's wipe the drive completely. Of course the new owner will have to reinstall Windows somehow. You can try to get the reinstall disk from Dell or borrow a Dell reinstall diak from a friend or neighbor who has the same Windows operating system as yours. New owner would need the necessary drivers too, which can be found on the Dell Driver's and Downloads page.

russell_314 · Answer

I've used that program a while ago and it worked for me.  This however would also wipe any restore partition on the computer making using Dell PC restore impossible.

Windows General

Reinstall XP without boot CD

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