I received a new computer with XP operating system. While I was loading programs the system crashed and lost the windows/system32 file and would not boot up. I looked for the recovery disk in the box, none found, so I had to do a complete install. Can I create a bootable recovery disk for this machine in case this happens again? I could not find a utility for this in XP.
Rodgdog

Have a look at http://www.softwarepatch.com/windows/winxpboot.html and

Read the page carefully,before/if you decide to download the file.

Please note that the download on offer is for Home edition of XP only,and NOT the Professional edition!

If you have the Professional Edition,or just want to create a boot disc rather than go to the above web site,then follow the instructions below.

Place a floppy disc in PC drive.Open my Computer and right click the A:drive and click Format.

In the Format window check 'create an MS-DOS startup disc.Click start.

When finished,remove disc from drive and keep it safe.

Just out of interest,to boot to a DOS prompt your PC needs the minimum 3 files:

Command.com
Io.sys
Msdos.sys


All the best,
Nez. :)

I do not have a floppy drive. Can I create a bootable CD or can I use my smart card drive as a floppy?
Rodgdog

Most new comnputers come with the ability to create a bootable recovery or OS CD. You need to check with the manufacturer of your machine on how to do that.