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How do I format my hard disk and re-install windows xp on my computer?

I have an HP a1600n computer that has Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition installed on it...I have already backed-up all of my files that i wanted to keep to an external hard drive. The problem is, is that my computer did not come with any kind of CD that will allow me to re-install windows xp on it. It does have a recovery console though...How can i re-install windows xp on it? Why doesn't these computers come with a recovery disk? Thanks!

Public Comments

1. Your HP computer should have a utility to create recovery disks. Go to this page and put in your model and select download drivers and software. http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/support.html?pageDisplay=drivers On the page it takes you to click on the link for Windows XP for your o.s. On that page, under CDROM order page, click on the link that says read before ordering. It takes you to a page that explains how to create discovery disks. If you have no CD burning drive, it also explains how to tell which disk to order. Your other alternative is to purchase a WinXP installation disk.