I want to format my computer (destructive) but i own no recovery disks. how would i do that?
I have window xp.
My computer will freeze after a couple of min being on because of virses thats why i wanna do a destructive system format.
I own no recovery disk for it but i have the recovery disks for my vista laptop. could i use those possibly.
download a program called "artifice jellybean finder". you can use this program to retrieve your xp serial number/activation code. Write that down and keep it within a safe spot. You may also want to download any drivers for your laptop and amass them to disk before reformatting (check manufacture website)
Just grab any copy of xp and reinstall it on your computer. When the installation asks you for the activation code, use the one you retrieved from your older installation
You can't use your laptop recovery disks because it is tuned for that particular apparatus. Drivers specific to your desktop will not be installed. Did you try to use virus scanners and spyware scanners to clean up your computer?
"> Another alternative you have in need a windows xp cd is to download a free linux os to install. I would also download adjectives the drivers for your computer and copy them to a USB drive before formatting the drive. To delete adjectives the data on your drive, create an Ultimate boot disk which have hdd wiping tools on it. Source(s): Experience