Verified answer

You can buy one from Compaq or off eBay. Or here is how to do it for free... Hello, I hope you have a back up of your data...How to reinstall a operating system with out a recovery disk. If you can't find the ones that you made or the ones that came with the computer. I assumed you already tried (and failed) to use the [ recovery partition.] this is the easy way... This means that the next step is to call tech support, and tell them that the recovery partition doesn't work, or you can't find the recovery discs you made... and then they can SELL you a set of recovery discs that you may have to copy to a usb drive.

That's just the way it works. There are two other ways use any other disk and when it is time to activate, call Microsoft on the phone with the activation window open and give them the coa or product code on the phone and they will activate and give you a number at that time.

You need the OEM installation specifically for the same version of the windows that came with your laptop. Otherwise, anything other than an OEM installation of that is the same kind that came with your laptop (Basic, Professional, etc) your product key won't work. Of course, if you choose to go that route, make sure you FIRST download all the drivers for your model laptop... else you might have trouble going on line afterwards to get the drivers.

This site has general information to help Install, reinstall, and uninstall Windows - Help & How-to - Microsoft Windows

This site you can down load windows files legally http://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-%E2%80%A6

But then you have to burn iso file to a DVD or usb drive and it is not that easy to do. To get a good accurate answer give the brand, model number, installed operating system of the laptop when asking a question as all PC's are not the same. Hey, I enjoyed your question, I have worked as a technician most of my life, I hope I have helped you...

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