Is it a Dell?  If it is you can get your service tag number and search Dell.com to see if the software is available or you can go to www.belarc.comrun the advisor print out the results with all the cd keys that were used when software installed and then find a copy of xp.  Or you can see if someone wants to sell any discs you need to you.  Is it a laptop or desktop, if desktop Inspiron or Dimension?

Dell has a procedure for registered (registed with Dell) owners to get a replacement set of Discs. If you bought it from the original registered user, and it's eligible for the replacement program that user can request the discs HERE for US customers.  Non registered owners are out of luck and you will have to buy the Windows XP  disc somewhere.  You can download any needed drivers from the Dell downloads    www.support.dell.com  

On many Dell's there is a recovery partition on the hard drive that will restore it to the original factory condition and no discs are needed.  If this one has it, for XP systems it's CTRL/F11 at power on.  Also, F12 at power on will access hardware diagnostics.

The Windows XP product key on the PC (or what Belarc shows) is only valid with a Dell OEM copy of Windows XP and the exact same version of XP (e.g. Windows XP Professional and whatever service pack version).  

The correct and required install sequence for a Dell is (1) Install Windows (2) Install Dell Desktop or Laptop System Software on applicable models (3) Install motherboard chipset drivers (4) Install device drivers including video, Dell sound drivers, ethernet, etc.    The chipset drivers are key to a successful install, don't skip the chipset drivers.

Yes its a dell, the original owner went bankrupt so he i bought my system from him for kid use..    I talked to him today and he said i never got any CDs because he didnt get any from dell...    Its terrible i spent money i didnt have and now i might have to spend more.... maybe ill just make him give me my money back unless he can fix it......    It has his office stuff on it... not cool     it is a desktop but it dont say if its inspiron or dimension...

Sorry that you are having problems, but it's not a Dell problem or if it were a Gateway it would not be a Gateway problem.  When you buy "used" it's "buyer beware".

There are many Dell models, other than Inspiron or Dimension.  Commercial line systems could be Vostro, Optiplex, etc.

Many Dell's, that are shipped without discs have a Dell recovery partition on the hard drive that will allow restoring and no discs are needed.  At one time getting the discs with a new PC was an optional at extra cost (minimal cost) that many foolishly didn't add when they bought the new PC. 

If the PC was shipped with XP, CTRL/F11 at power on will access the Dell PC Restore.  If the PC came with Vista or Win 7, F8 at power on accesses the restore.    Dell instituted the procedure to get the install discs for users that needed them, as a hard drive failure and a drive replacement the only way to do that was manually with discs.   New systems do not come with discs (all PC vendors are doing this) but many have a procedure for the user to create a set of recovery discs. 

if its a dell, it should say the model number someplace on the machine. older dells (some newer ones too) have the model number written on a ring around the power button on the front of the computer.

jess

if its a dell, it should say the model number someplace on the machine. older dells (some newer ones too) have the model number written on a ring around the power button on the front of the computer.

The computer should have a service tag somewhere on the case. The number will be ~7 characters with a mixture of letters and digits. The number can be plugged into the technical support portion of the Dell web site to find out information about the computer such as the model number, OS, software, etc.