Fix your computer: Windows XP - Startup Repair or Repair Installation from CD/DVD

A Repair Installation or Startup Repair of Windows is valuable when you need to reinstall important Windows files but keep all of your personal files and programs intact. A Repair Install can be thought of as a "copy over" of Windows. A Startup Repair is a smarter version of a Repair Install.

A Startup Repair or Repair Install is very often a relatively easy fix for many serious Windows operating system problems. Since these Windows repair options don't erase anything from your computer, they are simple ways to restore important Windows files. In general, a Startup Repair or Repair Installation of Windows is accomplished by running the original Windows setup process and choosing the correct installation method or diagnostic option.

Step 1: How To Boot From a CD, DVD, or BD Disc (follow link)

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 to Repair

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 R key to continue.

Step 6: Wait for the Current Windows XP Files to Delete

Windows XP Setup will now delete the necessary system files from the Windows XP installation that is currently on your hard drive. This step usually only takes a few seconds and no user intervention is necessary.

Step 7: Wait for the Windows XP Installation Files to Copy

Step 8: Windows XP Repair Installation Begins

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

Step 9: Choose Regional and Language Options

Step 10: 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 11: Wait for the Windows XP Repair Installation to Finalize

Step 12: Wait for Restart and Windows XP Boot

Step 13: Begin Final Set Up of Windows XP

Click Next ->.

Step 14: 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 ->