cashewschu

Short version: Lost my Windows XP recovery disk, replacing hard drive after crash. What to do? Long version: So my Gateway notebook finally died - the harddrive's shot. I'm getting a new harddrive so my father can use it for his "home computer" (as I got a new one), but I was surprised to discover I've completely lost the Windows XP Home Edition Recovery Disk. I've still got the other two - applications & drivers and whatnot - but the main recovery disk is gone, it seems. Now, here's the problem. I called Gateway to ask if there was any way I could get or buy a replacement disk, and the rather brusque tech support guy (who was asking me everything in terms of colours - "Well, do you still have the YELLOW disk?") said I have to buy a new copy of Windows XP Home, which runs around $200. I asked "So I don't need the recovery disk specific to this machine?" and he said no, just a new copy of Windows XP. Now, I have the recovery disk that came with my new computer (there's three years difference between them), but the ever-knowing computer expert at my dad's office insists you need the very CD that came with the computer and no other. Who's right here? Am I screwed? Can I use the recovery CD that came with my new computer, or another copy of Windows XP, or is there any way I can download the necessary stuff from somewhere and burn a new recovery disk? Thanks very much in advance. I'm heading back to school this weekend and my dad's frantic, as he wants me to set up the computer for him before I go (he's a bit of a technophobe, and is taking everything Office Computer Lady says as gospel).