I have been having problems with my Windows XP computer. The browsers close immediately, i can't connect printers, its just really bad. So I wanted to FORMAT my hard drive and start from scratch. But I remember pretty well that my computer did not come with a installation cd. Would I be able to format the hard drive and use my computer from scratch without the cd?And what will you use to install Windows?I don't know. Does that mean I can't format my cd and successfully use windows? That's what Im asking.No, we knew format your computer it does not automatically installed the operating system for Windows XP.
If you wish to reinstall Windows XP on your computer you MUST have some kind of installation media. This is quite often a CD made by Microsoft and you put it into your CD drive and boot the system from the CD.
Also, many manufacturers have what is called OEM installation CDs that will also install a FRESH copy of XP on the brand-name machine.
What is the make and model number of your computer? Where did you buy the computer? There should have been some DOCUMENTATION with the computer that explains how to restore the system.
Is this a laptop or a desktop PC?

In order to install an OS you need a Windows disc. Once you have that you can format the drive and install Windows.Grrr. I knew distinctly that it did not come with any type of installation cd. Windows was already installed on the computer. So i have to buy a brand new installation cd? Its a desktop by the way. I bought it in 2005 I believe.And it is a dell computer. Im away from it now so im not sure the make and model of it. It is a intel pentium 4You can order a CD from Dell for a fraction of the cost of a Retail CD.

Look for the serial number and service tag on the computer. Then go to the Dell site bad follow the instructions.
www.Dell.com

If you can't find it, come back here and
we can help you find a legitimate Dell XP CD.There MAY be a recovery partition on the system that will allow you to restore the system to the day you received it.OK! Thank you Geek9 and Allan. You both have been extremely helpful. I'll try both options and let you know what happens next.