Fix your computer: Windows XP - Clean Reinstallation

Step 1: How To Boot From a CD, DVD, or BD Disc (Link), or Press the <F12> key on Dell Logo and then in the One Time Boot Menu Select CD/DVD drive

Step 2: Boot From the Windows XP CD

To begin the Windows XP clean install process, you will need to boot from the Windows XP CD. Watch for a Press any key to boot from CD... message similar to the one shown in the screenshot above.

Step 3: Press F6 to Install a Third Party Driver

The Windows Setup screen will appear and a number of files and drivers necessary for the setup process will load.

Step 4: Press ENTER to Set Up Windows XP

After the necessary files and drivers are loaded, the Windows XP Professional Setup screen will appear. Since this will be a clean installation of Windows XP, press Enter to setup Windows XP no

Step 5: Read and Accept the Windows XP Licensing Agreement

The next screen that appears is the Windows XP Licensing Agreement screen. Read through the agreement and press F8 to confirm that you agree with the terms.

Step 6: Select the Windows XP Installation

On the next screen, Windows XP Setup needs to know which Windows installation you want to either repair or install a fresh copy over. Since we want to repair the selected Windows XP installation, press the Esc key to continue.

Step 7: Delete the Existing Windows XP Partition

In this step, you will delete the main partition on your computer - the space on the hard drive that your current Windows XP installation has been using. Using the arrow keys on your keyboard, highlight the line for the C: drive. It probably says Partition1 or System though your's may be different. Press D to delete this partition.

Warning Note: This will remove all of the information on the drive that Windows XP is currently on (your C: drive). Everything on that drive will be destroyed during this process.

Step 8: Confirm Knowledge of the System Partition

In this step, Windows XP Setup warns that the partition you are trying to delete is a system partition that may contain Windows XP. Of course we know this because that is exactly what we're trying to do. Confirm your knowledge that this is a system partition by pressing Enter to continue.

Step 9: Confirm Partition Deletion Request

WARNING: This is your last chance to back out of the reinstallation process by pressing the Esc key. If you back out now and restart your PC, your previous Windows XP installation will boot normally with no loss of data, assuming it was working before you started this process. If you're sure you're ready to proceed, confirm that you wish to delete this partition by pressing the L key.

Step 10: Create a Partition

Now that the previous partition is removed, all of the space on the hard drive is unpartitioned. In this step, you will create a new partition for Windows XP to use. Using the arrow keys on your keyboard, highlight the line that says Unpartitioned space. Press C to create a partition on this unpartitioned space.

Step 11: Choose a Partition Size

Unless you are planning on creating additional partitions from within Windows XP after the clean installation process (for any number of reasons), it's usually wise to create a partition at the maximum size possible. For most users, the default number provided will be the maximum space available and the best choice. Press Enter to confirm the partition size.

Step 12: Choose a Partition to Install Windows XP On

Highlight the line with the newly created partition and press Enter to set up Windows XP on the selected partition.

Step 13: Choose a File System to Format the Partition

Using the arrow keys on your keyboard, highlight the line that says Format the partition using the NTFS file system and press Enter.

Step 14: Wait for the New Partition to Format

Depending on the size of the partition that you are formatting and the speed of your computer, formatting the partition could take anywhere from a few minutes to several minutes or hours.

Step 15: Wait for the Windows XP Installation Files to Copy

Windows XP Setup will now copy the necessary installation files from the Windows XP installation CD to the newly formatted partition - the C drive. This step usually only takes a few minutes and no user intervention is necessary.

Step 16: Windows XP Installation Begins

Windows XP will now begin installing. No user intervention is necessary.

Step 17: Choose Regional and Language Options

Step 18: Enter Your Name and Organization

Step 19: Enter a Computer Name and Administrator Password

Step 20: Set the Date and Time

Step 21: Choose the Networking Settings

The Networking Settings window will appear next with two options for you to choose from - Typical settings or Custom settings. If you're installing Windows XP in on a single computer or a computer on a home network, chances are the correct option to choose is Typical settings.

If you're installing Windows XP in a corporate environment, you may need to choose the Custom settings option but check with your system administrator first. Even in this case, the Typical settings option is probably the right one. If you're not sure, choose Typical settings. Click Next >

Step 22: Enter a Workgroup or Domain Name

If you're installing Windows XP in a corporate environment, you may need to choose the Yes, make this computer a member of the following domain: option and enter a domain name but check with your system administrator first. If you're not sure, choose No, this computer is not on a network, or is on a network without a domain.

Step 23: Wait for the Windows XP Installation to Finalize

Step 24: Wait for Restart and First Windows XP Boot

Your PC will automatically restart and proceed to load Windows XP for the first time.

Step 25: Accept Automatic Display Settings Adjustment

After the Windows XP start up splash screen appeared in the last step, a window titled Display Settings will appear. Click OK to allow Windows XP to automatically adjust the screen resolution.

Step 26: Confirm Automatic Display Settings Adjustment

If you can clearly read the text in the window, click OK.

Step 27: Begin Final Set Up of Windows XP

Click Next ->.

Step 28: Wait for Internet Connectivity Check

The Checking your Internet connectivity screen appears next, informing you that Windows is checking to see if your computer is connected to the Internet. If you'd like to skip this step, click Skip ->.

Step 29: Choose an Internet Connection Method

If you have high speed internet like DSL or Cable Internet and are using a router or if you're on a home or business network, choose Yes, this computer will connect through a local area network or home network. If you are connecting directly to the Internet via a modem (dial-up or broadband like DSL or Cable), choose No, this computer will connect directly to the Internet.

Step 30: Optionally Register Windows XP with Microsoft

Registration with Microsoft is optional, but if you'd like to do that now, choose Yes, I'd like to register with Microsoft now, click Next -> and follow the instructions to register. Otherwise, choose No, not at this time and click Next ->