Restore CD with New HD?

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support (More info?)

If she has XP and a "restore" CD, then it is highly probable that the CD
does NOT actually contain XP. Instead, it probably contains some system
recover software (e.g., Drive Image, True Image, GHOST) that will recover
the C: partition from a hidden partition on the hard drive. This sort of
recovery not only restores the operating system, but any other software that
came with the PC. BUT, if the hard drive is toast, then recovery will not
be possible.

To check this admittedly unpleasant theory, examine her recovery CD in a
working PC. Does it look like a full XP CD or a lot less? You apparently
have your own XP CD, so you an view it and see what one looks likes.

If my theory is correct, she has two options (1) get a hard drive with
hidden partition from the PC maker, then run the recovery CD, (2) buy a full
retail version of XP, plus all other software she needs (e.g., antivirus,
office suite, CD/DVD writing software, etc). If option (2) comes to pass,
she might also want to consider (a) LINUX instead of XP, (b) of at least
using free antivirus, ad blockers, office suites, etc.

"mcl" <levinemc@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:eCQje.12607$cP2.6454@fe06.lga...
> Ok, a lady from work seems to have lost her HD on her home PC.
> I haven't checked it out yet, but she said it gives the error; operating
> system not found.
> She is one of those cases where she never got a Windows Xp CD just a
> restore disk.
> All she uses the system for is to browse the internet and some word
> processing.
> I've never used a restore CD. (I would never buy a system with just a
> resore CD.)
> If she just bought a new HD how do those resore CD's respond to that? Does
> the HD need to be
> the original or the same size or will anyone work? It was a 40gb HD. I
> figure she could get one at least
> that size dirt cheap. I figured on an 80gb.
>