How do i reinstall windows xp on my dell without a disk? It keeps telling me the operating system I am using does not go with the computer

I have used full install/ disk from other brands of computers (or other dell model numbers)to reinstall operation system (must be winxphome, dont worry about service pack, you can update). If you use any dell reinstallation cd, most likely you will not have to enter your key. If you use any other computer brand, or borrow someones xphome full install disk (not upgrade), then you will need to enter your key. Only problem of using for example emachine full install disk is that is will have emachine themes. Also you will likely need to down load other drivers. You are not lemited to to using reinstall cd for your model number. Good luck

Swapping disks that run on a different system will not work unless the systems are exactly alike (manufacturer's make and model).

Your best bet is to reinstall the operating system if you can read the Product Key Code (series of 5 letters and numbers) on the Certificate of Authentication (COA) sticker on the computer. You have to reinstall using the same version of the operating system. If the COA says Windows XP Pro, then you need to reinstall with a Windows XP Pro operating system disk otherwise when it comes time to activate and put in the product key code you'll have issues and it will never activate.

Your friend will need to contact the store for help with this I'm afraid.

Must use a disk to reinstall OS. unless you have a bootable USB drive with the OS on it

you need to update it by internet, or purchasing it online

Usually not,usually hard drives are built with a hidden recovery partition that stays intact even if your operating system is not,and the cd just runs off this. unless you have a complete operating system but they never give you these out .

Place cd into drive.Keep pressing enter until the computer reads the cd.Follow the directions on the screen. That is all their is too it. How did you get an HP without an operating system having been installed? thsi is a windows disk, correct? Not a reinstall disk?Should work the same either way.  If it gives yuo an error or doesn;t work please tell us what happened and we will direct you more. Thanks  

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Home.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodTypeId=321957&prodSeriesId=3375953&submit.y=2&submit.x=7〈=en&cc=us

Make sure that you are using correct installation CD or clean your CD properly so that system read it correctly.

try to boot in the safe mode and tell me what happens

well sir i seeemsthat u have corrupted the operating system if that is the case what u can do is u can get the operating system back without the recovery cd.. from the d: drive partion that is shipped with the system.....so if u r using xp then u can recover the computer back to the factory settings by tapping F10 and if it is vista and keep tapping F11......when u do so it will take u to the partion if u r in xp
for xp recovery foloow this step:
select run system recovery....
then select advanced option...
select distructive recovery.......
select recover without backing up......it will restore it back to the faactory settings...
but if it is vista then follow the following steps :
tapp F11...
it will say welcome to recovery manager.....
clcik on advanced option.....
and then click on the option that says system recovery...
select next.......
select recover without backing ip and it will do it and resetup the computer as u did when u first took it out of the box