How to install an OS on a PC with no OS

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Hi,

I just purchased a computer from a place that sells refurbished PCs and laptops. The computer, however, does not appear to work.

When I turn this computer on, I get a message right after the Dell blue screen at start up that reads as follows:

"strike F1 to retry boot, F2 for setup utility"

The computer doesn't move past this screen. If I press F1 as instructed, it doesn't reboot but simply beeps and repeats the above "strike F1..." message on the line below.

I contacted the store that sold the computer to me, and they said that I should 'try installing Windows'. Apparently, buried in the fine print of their Terms and Conditions is a statement that PCs may or may not come with an operating system!

My question is, should I go ahead and purchase a Windows 2000 Pro cd (a license for this OS came bundled with my PC -- there's a sticker on the side of the PC with a Product Key on it) and just install it myself? If so, should I get an OEM version or a retail version of Windows 2000 Pro?

I am looking for the least expensive route possible, as I already paid quite a bit for the PC.

[LeeD]

It's up to you what operating system you go for but i have found that W2K is to slow, plus Microsoft will be stopping support for that quite soon, as they did with Win98.

If you don;t want to spend much money, go for OEM. I'm not sure where you are based, but here's a link to ebuyer.co.uk http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/123059 Vista for £53.21.

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Hi LeeD; thanks for getting back to me so soon :happy:

Although I live in Canada, I followed the link you provided and it's what I was looking for so I just might order from there anyway.

I have one more question: If I purchase an OEM version of Windows Vista or XP, does the cd come with a Product Key/license or do I have to purchase that separately?

[photolady]

Which ever you purchase, they come with a product key. You also need to make sure your new/used computer can handle XP and especially Vista. Vista requires much more newer hardware than XP did/does.

[renegade600]

depending what you purchased the computer for, you may be able to save money and try linux. It works similar to windows and it hasmost of the same type of programs you can get for windows. Besides linux is free in most cases. Try one of the free live cds in linux forum. (http://www.cybertechhelp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49057)

I would suggesst knoppix or Ubuntu. In the past I have used suse but its now a microsoft product.