Windows Recovery Disks .. how to kick-start?

[bluewillow]

I know so little about puters. Been having a problem for a time and now its time that i begin my 17 Recovery CD's which should bring my pc back to the original Windows XP stage.
However, when I begin the CD's nothing happens. Anyone wishing to guess what I ought to be doing wrong? Just so very, very annoying.

bw

[Eeyore]

Oh boy, that's hubby's baliwick.....

Here's a help page that might give you some info

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307654

[bluewillow]

Thanks Lyn. However, my puter won't bring up your article. PC is heading for the shop for a complete tune up. Thought I'd give these discs a try but getting nowhere fast.

bw

[Eeyore]

That doesn't sound good. I wonder if your hard drive packed it in?

[bluewillow]

[size=150It could be Lyn. Puter is just over 2 years so I am hoping nothing too serious but I'm prepared to about anything. Fingers crossed though.

bw][/size]

[skwij]

17!!!!!! 17?????

Really???

17 recovery discs?????

Can't you do a recovery from the original install discs that came with your computer?

[Countryboy]

Me too . . . thought that '17' was some kinda typo.

From yr original XP disc u can do either a 'Clean' install or a 'Repair' install. U already have XP on yr machine so u want a repair install. The difference is that a clean install will install 'Documents' and 'My Music' and other such folders *that u already have* and a repair install will give u only the files that yr missing.

When I lost my windows 'Help' files this is the tutorial that was given to me by the web experts in MSN Groups ..............................

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

It looks more complicated that it really is. If I can do it . . . .

Frank . . ON5a

[bluewillow]

Thank you Countryboy. I'll see if I can follow without my pc shutting down. What a mess I'm in.

Skwig, Yes I have 18 in total. I did the complete windows CD copy for windows reinstallation as was called for as no CD's came with the machine. I just kept feeding it CD's when pc requested. and the total was actually 18. An enormous amt indeed.

I'm shutting down as this machine is up to no good.

Thanks one and all. You are indeed a great bunch. Much appreciated.

bw