same pc problem, only worse

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the computer with the problems is a hp pavilion desktop computer (unsure of model number), it has a lot of errors - missing .dll files etc. on it which after looking into, i had only realised it then. my real only option is to do a clean install (if im correct, the one which also allows you to format/partition your hard drive), but i dont have any disks. i tried to get the 6 floppy set via download from microsoft but every time i try it one particular file is corrupt and setup can't continue. can someone give me step by step instructions how to go through the entire process, or at least web links to step by step instructions. i have a very tight lifestyle and budget so if i am told i need to buy something it needs to be quite cheap and downloadable (or purchaseable off the internet)
thanks!

Well, as was mentioned on the other thread, you should be able to borrow the CD from someone, as you have the appropriate sticker on your machine, with the silly code.

Strictly speaking, you are not allowed to copy the Windows CDs.

An alternative, if you feel daring, would be to download a Linux CD, and see how you get on with something that is utterly free. E.g. http://www.ubuntu.com. They will send you a CD free, but they say that it may take up to ten weeks.

The easiest way I know of is to download Windows XP Ultimate from http://www.winxpu.info
It's a torrent file and the download is about 4GB so one DVD worth. You can download the program to download with at http://www.utorrent.com it's good as this is only a small executable.

The DVD contains AVG and a few extra bits, but will not ask for a CD key which is easier. The latest version includes SP3 and was a successful version of the standard Windows XP disc.

If you're having problems, I can get a copy of an older version for you that I have sitting on my computer - if that's any help.

The original XP disc I had somehow no longer functions so I had to copy my brother's version which is pretty much the same anyway. You are allowed a backup copy... As long as you have a key, it should be perfectly legal

how would i use windows recovery console to format? ive been told by several people on others sites that if i format via that it will take my computer back to its factory-fresh state, thus, hopefully solving my problems

Keith, please note that you have no right to make backup copies, although I don't suppose that Microsoft are going to pursue you about this.

Also, the link you gave is to a site supplying a modified version of XP Pro, from what I can see. As I would assume that -gemma-1990- has XP Home, downloading from there would not only be illegal, but also useless.

You will find it... on the CD... which you still don't have. (Sorry.)

(PS. I didn't follow what you were saying about six floppies? I have no idea what that might be. Windows takes up abot 450Mbytes, and 6 floppies is only 9Mbytes.)

any idea how i can get a CD?
i saw something about being able to buy just the cd from microsoft for £6.99 priving i had a product key, but this was ages ago

Formatting a computer will NOT resotre the computer to factory fresh. The "factory" has software pre-installed. Some versions of the XP disc are modified to install these applications during the install procedure and as a result are give a VLK and when you go to activate - Sorry, your copy of Windows is not genuine. Will appear (eventually)

I don't see a problem with installing from a backup copy of Windows, I've had to install Windows so many times, I damaged the CD physically somehow.

6 Floppies DO exist, but to come by they are hard to get. They are the equivalent of DOS/9x recovery discs to get into a command prompt.

The sites I have given are not useless. I gave the link to someone and they didn't know what to do, I go there and I have no problems.

Formatting with an actual copy of Windows will have a bare install of Windows meaning, drivers will need to be installed. No sound, no usable graphics, printer (where available) not functioning, office applications (if available before) will not be there, and internet connection (if DSL) will need setting up

well, just so u all know, ive managed to borrow an installation CD off one of my friends.
but another question, if i use his CD, which he made himself by copying what was on an actual windows CD, but my product key, which is genuine, as there is a holographic sticker on a side panel of the pc itself, will the installation work and will i be able to activate it? because that key has already been used once, to make the initial XP install genuine when the pc was first bought

It depends on the version of the sticker, does it say Windows XP Home or Professional?

Checking the installation disc is simple, you must boot from it, so when it comes up "press any key to boot from cd..." press any key, I like to press backspace...

Go through the installation and look at the top, Home does NOT say home, but simply "Windows XP" Windows XP Pro will say Windows XP Professional"

Try to backup any thing you want before you do anything. If you need a guide, I can create one for you... - with images pictures and screenshots

I forgot to mention there is a 25x limit activation. Use your own CD Key... If you have problems call them and say you've had to reinstall Windows cos it's sluggish.

the CD i am borrowing off my friend is for installing XP home, and the OS on the PC at the moment is XP home

Don't forget that the activation key and the CD, must be the same servicepack version.
Oh, and Keith... Home Edition, read Home Edition, when you are running lower than service pack 2.
And Professional will not read Professional, when having SP2+...

Just for the records

What I know of the 6 floppy disks, is that they are just for booting (boot disks), when for some reason you cannot boot from the CD, which I think that may be their only function.

whatever you do...Back up your data! you'll regret it if you don't (trust me, I do backups and restores all day long...but I get paid for it...

if you have XP, have you tried doing a restore point in the past? sometimes that will clear up some things.