How to format a pc and install xp

Remember that all hard disk data will be lost when you reformat. Check out this article on how to backup your data in Windows XP. Ensure that you save that backup to a CD, thumb drive, or external drive. Note whether you have the software CDs to extra devices such as printers or software you may have purchased. If you downloaded them, then ensure that you either can re-download them or backup those files so you are able to re-install them after you reformat your computer.

You may also want to note the make and model of your devices. Once inside the Device Manager, you can click on each category to see what devices are installed. Method 2. You may also use the Windows XP Setup disks. If using the disks you will have to install each disk when prompted during the setup. Press any key to boot from CD when prompted.

This prompt will appear shortly after the POST power-on self test. Go to source. Press the F8 key to agree to the Microsoft end user license agreement when prompted to do so. Since there is already an existing Windows XP installation you may receive a prompt to repair it.

Press the ESC key to bypass this option and continue formatting the disk. Select each field that does not say "Unallocated Space. Use the arrow keys to select fields to be deleted. Press the D key to delete each field. When prompted, press the L key to confirm partition deletion.

This will clear old data from the hard drive of the computer. Repeat steps 6 and 7 until the only field left is "Unallocated Space. Press enter to create a new partition of the maximum size. Method 3. Use the arrow keys to select the new partition. Press enter to install Windows XP to the unallocated space. This will be followed by a list of installation options. Select Quick Format installation. You will want to select the NTSF file system. That is the preferred file system of Windows XP.

If you're reformatting to recover from error, you will want to do a Full Format otherwise your error may still exist. The PC should restart, then select your language and local preferences when prompted to do so. There are quick selection options or you can click on custom settings to receive more options. Enter your desired password. When the administrator password prompt comes up you can enter your desired password. Pick a password only you would know, but difficult enough for anyone else to guess.

Method 4. Get your disc or thumb drive containing your backup. Place your backup in the appropriate drive to restore the documents you backed up before starting this procedure and re-install your applications.

Click on the "Start" menu. This is located in the lower left hand corner of the screen. To restore your backup, choose "All programs" and "Accessories. Select "Restore Files and Settings. Click "Browse" to find your backup in either the CD or the thumb drive and then "Next" to continue. Click "Finish" to mount your backup.

It may take some time to restore completely if it was a large backup. Click "Close" when the restoration is complete. The files from your backup should appear on your newly formatted computer. Method 5. If the CD won't complete reformatting then try running a memory test on the PC. You may need to replace one or both of the memory sticks if there are many errors.

Try replacing the optical drive and data cables. Some cables may wear over time, so these may need to be replace if damaged or defective. Check your CD drive. Try putting in another CD and see if your computer can read the CD. If it cannot, then you may need to replace your CD drive. Ensure that the CD is not scratched. Flip the CD over in your hand and look at it in the light. If the CD is scratched then your CD drive may have difficulty reading it. Try using a different CD or try repairing the scratched CD.

This usually comes with Windows Installation disk, written behind the pack. You can also buy a key online from Microsoft. Type a name for your computer. If you wish, you can also type a password to login - otherwise you can leave it empty. Select time and date settings and time zone according to your country. Provide network settings for networking PCs or select typical settings and press the Enter key. Finish the installation process.

After completion, Setup will do a cleanup of files and will restart your PC automatically. At this stage you can remove CD from drive. Click OK if Windows prompts you to improve your screen resolution.

This will adjust your screen "quality" and adjust the display to fit your screen. The PC will automatically restart during the process. However, if it interrupts any running tasks, then your setup is most likely corrupt. Yes No.

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3. Try to find the source of the image or file and see if it is corrupted. If it is an application, try either reinstalling it, or delete it and then download it again. AVG Antivirus is good, but there are others as well.

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 6. You can format a drive by deleting all the partitions before installation, and then canceling the installation. You can also hook up the drive as an external and format it with a different computer. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Don't forget to backup your important data on a flash drive before formatting.

Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. If you have had any viruses or malware of any sort on your computer before, try to copy only any files that aren't infected by it, if possible.

Re-installing will delete all your disk data, including files and software. You Might Also Like How to. How to. Co-authors: Updated: May 15, Categories: XP Instructions. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read , times. Is this article up to date? Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.

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