Windows 10: Windows recovery

Today, my McAfee anti-virus software on my relatively new Dell Inspiron desktop had recently expired so I attempted to download some free Panda anti-virus software. When I hit download, the screen froze with a message like "Something didn't work". I couldn't get the screen to unfreeze so I unplugged the computer and started again. When I did, the computer went into Automatic repair and diagnosis. I've been unable to reset because I don't have my recovery key. It's not in my MS account. I couldn't find it when I tried command prompt. I trouble shooted with Panda tech support for an hour to no avail. Then I was somehow able to talk to a live Microsoft support person--a minor miracle in and of itself. She told me that if I don't have my recovery key, the only way to fix the problem is with a USB drive. I only had an external hard disc drive and she told me that wouldn't work. So I had to hang up and go buy a jump drive. Of course, when I got back, it was impossible to get a talk to a Microsoft support person even though I have a case number . I don't know how to use a thumb drive to get Windows going on my desktop. Does anyone have any suggestions?

:)

 

Data Recovery for Mac (OSX Capitan) ?

Anybody knows of a good data recovery software for mac? Preferably free?

I use Active@ Data Recovery for Windows, but honestly no idea what to use for Mac OSX.

Any suggestions?

 

Data recovery software

The Big Useful List Of Free Useful Programs To Use Usually For Free

click the top spoiler and then look down to recovery.

All of the suggestions in the old threads were consolidated into that one.

 

windows xp installation and dual core am

could someone please list the steps they follow to install windows with a dual core processor and windows xp service pack to. I'm reletively new to amd dual core and i feel i'm missing a step. All help will be appreciated. thanx