re-installing windows

[AllYourBase]

My laptop has died. It says I need to re-install windows using the original disk. I don't have one! I bought the computer from pc world and the windows xp package that came with it had all the instructions, was sealed, but had no disk in.

My question is that I have the licence sticker on the pc, but no disk. Could it have been supplied without the disk at the time of purchase? I have never needed it before now, so not noticed to worry! Where do I get one from now?

Help!

[vehelpfulguy]

Some companies "hide" the recovery version of Windows on your hard disk (in a hidden partition).

Did you get any sort of recovery CD when you bought the PC?

The CD will be clearly marked as a recovery CD but will not be a Windows CD as such.

When you boot your computer using the recovery CD it re-installs Windows using the copy on the hidden part of your disk.

[plowter]

If you use the recovery disc you'll wipe all your data and documents.

What do you mean by "died"? If it's dead it won't boot up and won't give you any message.

What exactly is the message about needing to reinstall Windows?

You'll have been given a pre-installed version of Windows. It's not the same as re-installing a retail version of Windows.

[fiesata]

Tell me the brand and model and I'll try to help

[AllYourBase]

It's a Philips freeline. The message says that a file is missing, insert the windows disk and press r. I think the file is called something like "system". I have all the documents and disks that came with it, and nothing seems to match this description, but I'll check again. Thanks so far.......

[fourteen85]

We have a phillips freeline bought from PCworld, on first boot up we had a message to click on an icon on the desk top and create our own recovery disc

[AllYourBase]

Now I see the problem. Mine was in the 'bent bargains' section as it had been returned. I guess I therefore missed that option. Not to worry, �30 and my local computer shop has got it up and running. You can re-install with any xp disk, as long as you have the sticker with the code on it. Good job I am better at backing up than I am at making recovery disks!
Thanks every one!