Reinstall but no disk 

 Some systems are sold without an operating CD. The manufacturer of the computer does one of two things.

• They feel that since they have a restore image, they do not need to provide a CD

• They have the CD on the hard drive for the consumer to burn. That way the manufacturer doesn't have to spend money on CDs

The restore from image is a great feature because you can restore your system in no time just by initiating it. However the dangers of not having the CD is that if the hard drive dies, or the image of the restore gets corrupted, you won't be able to restore your system.

Creating the CD is fine. However that would be additional cost to the consumer. The cost won't be just a few dollars (under $5)  However that just adds to the cost of the system. Also many consumers either don't know about the feature or they don't get around to burning the CD. When this happens, they don't realize they need it till the hard drive gets corrupted or died. By then it is too late to burn the CD.

If you do not have a CD and want to restore your system, you will need to check with the manufacture or your manual to see if you have a restore image on your computer. If you do, you can run the restore image. Take note that the image can get damaged with time so it may or may not work.

If you don't have the image, the image is corrupted, or you don't have the CD, you will need to do one of the following

• Contact the manufacturer to see about them sending you a CD (They may or may not charge for the disk)

• See if someone has the operating system you need. There is a couple things to be aware of on this

  • You have to have the same version of windows. Anotherwords, if you have Windows 7 professional, you will need a Windows 7 Professional

  • If the operating system came with the system, you will probably need to find one from a friend that has one from the same manufacture of the computer. Anotherwords, if you have a Dell Windows 7 pro, you will need a Dell Windows 7 pro disk from a friend. You won't be able to use retail version (the type you buy at the store)

  • You will also have to make sure the product key is not embedded in the software. Some manufacturers embed the product key. If yours does, then borrowing one from a friend won't work.

  • You will also need to know your product key

If you did a Windows upgrade in place (if you allowed Windows to upgrade the older Windows to the new Windows), you might be able to go to Programs and Features (Windows Vista and newer) or Add/Remove Programs (Windows XP and older) and uninstall the operating system.

****Very IMPORTANT NOTICE****

all the options above will wipe your files off your computer (except for the uninstall feature). If you don't back up your files before you return the system to the previous version, you will loose your files. Even with the uninstall feature, you still need to back up your files in the event the system crashes. Once the files are gone, you won't be able to access them.

When you do restore your system, you will need the following

• If you are using the Windows CD, you will need the drivers for your system. If you are restoring from an image, then you don't need the drivers.

• Any programs that you have installed after you got the system will need to be installed. Make sure you have the disks for them.

Restoring a system with an image is the quickest method. It installs the operating system, drivers and any programs that came with the computer. Doing it with the disk will take longer because you have to install the drivers and all the programs after operating system is loaded.

Be sure to do all the Windows updates afterwards.

To do an image restore, check with your manufacturer for instructions on performing the image restore.