system recovery (xp)

Hi guys I really am no the computer expert but I have a couple questions about my Vaio and XP that Im currnetly running. If you could help me I'd really really appreciate it.

What I think I want to do is do a system recovery of XP so I can get the computer to register the way it was straight out of the box. (Via the 3 CD's it comes with) Is is a liable option for whiping the files and memory of everything on it?

If not what would I want to do to perform something like this so I can get rid of all the built up and wasted memory, especially various viruses, spyware and popup ad software installed on my computer.

All I want is to reset my computer and memory the way it was right out of the box, and if its possible then how do I do it and what is the result.

Thanks

Welcome to windrivers Jfunk28 :)

Usually you just stick the cd in the drive as you boot up (turn on) & that's it, the s/w should do it itself & ask for subsequent disks, make sure you backup /copy anything you want to keep, before you do this ;)

The restore disks 'usually' have an image of what came on your beast on day one, & some kind of imaging s/w that zaps what you have now & replaces it, as 'out of the box'. The only complications I can see are that you can't figure out which is the master disk for this (the one that starts it) or getting it to boot from the recovery cds rather than from your hard disk. If you do post again & someone will advise :)

Oooo Edit !

Make sure you know what your xp serial number is first ! Your restore disks may/may not create an install with the verification check done (again if you ain't got it/know how to get it repost!)

Thank you sooo much for responding and giving me an awnswer I could understand lol.

There really is nothing I want to back up or keep, and I have all three CD's first to last numbered. These CD's will in fact restore the comp's memory to the way it was when I set it up for the first time correct? If this is the case then I think I will do what you said. Im not exactly sure what I need to look out for or what I need to be careful of if there is anything at risk or anything like that. Before I go ahead and run the CD's please let me know if there is anything i should be aware of.

Thanks a million

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jfunk28

Thank you sooo much for responding and giving me an awnswer I could understand lol.

There really is nothing I want to back up or keep, and I have all three CD's first to last numbered. These CD's will in fact restore the comp's memory to the way it was when I set it up for the first time correct? If this is the case then I think I will do what you said. Im not exactly sure what I need to look out for or what I need to be careful of if there is anything at risk or anything like that. Before I go ahead and run the CD's please let me know if there is anything i should be aware of.

Thanks a million

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My one suggestion, considering that this is a proprietary build (Vaio), is to go their website or any manual they supplied with your computer and just check exactly what those 3 restore CDs should do, and what sort of WinXP registration code (if any) you will need during the process. If you don't have easy access to your license codes, I suggest downloading Aida32 system information software from http://www.aida32.hu/aida32.php
and checking under the Software tab for your Windows XP license code and anything else that came pre-installed on your computer.

Good luck!