No XP disc with my laptop, but I want one.

[wadea]

So my laptop did not come with a restore disc or the XP disc. It only came with instructions on how to use XP to make a restore disc. The problem is that I made said disc and have misplaced it. I would like to have an XP disc so I can reformat my computer as part of my periodic maintenance.

I called the manufacturer, claiming that XP was included in the price of my computer and could I have the disc. The said they don't/can't do that. Are they obligated to provide the disc upon request? If I contacted Microsoft, would they provide a disc if I could verify that my computer included XP? Could Microsoft compel the laptop manufacturer - or the vendor - to provide the XP discs?

Finally, I have a Win95 disc and an XP upgrade disc. I also have the needed drivers for my laptop. Can I reboot my computer with Win95 and then upgrade to XP or is the upgrade disc only good from ME or 2000?

[funkyworms]

You can use the XP upgrade disk to reformat. There is no need to install Win95.

[Freakin]

I'd call microsoft. Tell them you have a manufacturer who will not provide you with disks for your license. Give them the serial number sticker on your laptop.

[Thanir]

Was this a Dell? I know they do this and I had the same issue as you. Couple of weeks ago I was looking for drivers at the Dell site and noticed they will now send out a xp disk if you request it from them online. I ordered one and just got it a few days ago.

[wadea]

The XP Upgrade worked, thank you. It detected the already installed version of XP so that I didn't even have to insert the 95 disc to prove prior ownership.

The computer runs so much better, post format, as usual. It just feels so good to have a cleaned-up, efficient computer. It's also nice to install a "clean" version of Windows, as opposed to the version that comes on the computer (or on provided restore discs) that includes all the 3rd party garbage.