There are many PC fans who still prefer, or at least can only afford, a computer running windows xp. But as more and more new versions are coming out, it makes it harder to deal with finding a recovery disk if the unthinkable happens. If you have to replace your hard drive, or you have had a crash due to a virus, then a recovery may be just the thing to get your computer running well once again. In 2014, Windows eliminated much of its online support for Windows XP. However, it is still possible to find the recovery disks you need. Here is one option to get your computer rebooted and ready to go once again:
1. Purchase a data disk for transfer of the information.
Once you reboot, you can’t download from the internet, and the file will be gone until you process this information. It must be installed using some kind of disk system. Often, a CD is the best way to do this. They will call it a floppy disk, but as most people over a certain age already know, literal floppies went away mostly in the 1980’s.
2. Place the disk into a working PC and go to the windows help website.
From here, you can type “XP Recovery Disk” into the search tab and shortcut yourself right to the page with the correct info to recover. Follow the instructions listed on that page, and it should allow you to create the recovery disk without problems.
3. Avoid doing this from third party sites.
Microsoft will give you a copy that doesn’t have unnecessary spyware or malware on it. If you are rebooting due to a virus, this can just continue the problem, or cause new problems for the person who is downloading the recovery disk from their working computer. “Free” often comes with a way for them to make money. If the way is to sell your data to third parties, then go with the safe alternative.
4. Have your other programs ready to re-load once your restoration is complete.
This will not happen automatically with the reboot. Start with your antivirus program. Have the website and registration/activation code ready to go. Then follow with word processing, browser or other programs needing installation and verification of prior purchase. Tracking these things down is harder than just looking at the info on your (sort of) working version before you reboot.