New 8600C with NO WINXP media 'recovery CD' - how can I re-partition ?

Question

I have a new 8600C and I wish to re-partition my 40gig Hard drive. I understand that if I do that I I will trash the ability to recover the hidden partition. But, I do not have a WINXP Install CD either. Apparently Dell (UK) no longer ship that media.  How am I supposed to re-partition my HD, but also retain the abilty to do a re-install, if in the future I trash my OS ?   Thanks, Colin

leduke30 · Answer

I believe the omission of the CD may have been an oversight on Dell's part, or you have it, but it may be called a Recovery Disk or some other designation. I would call Dell if you are the original owner and request they send you the Recovery CD.

cwigg · Answer

The Dell customer rep had told me different. Apparently, they no longer ship an Install or recovery disk, which is why I'm sort of seeking a second opinion here. The rep is putting my concern to tech support, so I'll see what they come back with.

Steve1077 · Answer

I just checked and it says Windows XP SP2 (No media) so it sounds like they don't include a CD, that is just silly, do you know anyone that has a copy of XP OEM you could borrow? You can use the number on the bottom of the laptop to install XP legally with that

Steve1077 · Answer

If all you want to do is partition the drive then you can use partition magic, when did you get the laptop? I got a new one from Dell 2 months ago and that came with an XP CD, after all you have already paid for the XP licence, so they really should include the CD

cwigg · Answer

Thanks for posting. I dont hold out much hope of receiving the disk, and as there is a serial # on the base of the machine I guess that confirms it. As a test, I did re-partition (shrunk the C drive, and added an extended part). The Dell restore utility (by symantec) failed. I reset the partitions back as was, then the restore worked. I'll create my own restore image using Drive Image....

This is cheap practice by Dell.

leduke30 · Answer

If you have the COA with the 5 alphanumeric groups Product Key on the bottom of your computer, look at this Ebay Listing, #7111608765

Ed C · Answer

It's got to be a UK thing.

cwigg · Answer

Following my complaint, Dell have sent me a winXP/Home install CD.  Unfortunately, it's an SP1 CD that I guess was surplus to their requirements.

leduke30 · Answer

SP2 is available by download from Microsoft

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