If you are looking for guidelines on reinstalling Windows XP, this article will be a helpful read. Here, you will find clear guidelines on getting this old and faithful OS installed on your system.
When your Windows operating system crashes due to a potent virus attack, you are left with no option sometimes but to go for a reinstallation.
The only three versions of Windows that are currently in use and supported by Microsoft are Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. If you are happy with good old XP, the reinstallation instructions will be found in the following lines.
The Procedure
Released in 2001, Windows XP continues to be used even today, as it was a highly stable release. To reinstall it, you will need a bootable CD, with a valid license key. You could use the recovery disk, if you have been smart enough to create one.
Before going for a reinstall, make sure that you back up any of the data stored on the hard drive. Insert the CD in the optical drive and restart your laptop or desktop computer.
When a ‘Booting From CD’ message is displayed, press enter to begin setup. You will be greeted with a blue welcome screen. Read all the instructions carefully and follow them to the letter. Press ‘Enter’ to begin reinstallation.
After you have read the end-user agreement, you will be shown the available space on your hard drive and will be asked to select the drive on which you want Windows XP installed. Select it. You can also delete all existing partitions and create new ones. Then, you must choose the formatting type for the selected partition. Opt for NTFS.
Then, the partition will be formatted and copying of files will begin. When the files are copied to your hard drive, you will be asked to reboot the computer. This will be followed by setup, which will take some time, depending on the RAM size of your computer.
Once it boots, you will be asked to select your regional date and time settings. Next, you must enter the license key for the installation. After that, you can set up the administrative password and your setup is complete. Enjoy your newly-installed Windows XP operating system.
Just load all the drivers using the special CD, containing the drivers, that is provided by the manufacturers and you are ready to go. To reinstall Windows XP without a CD, you will have to prepare a bootable USB.
Once you boot the brand new installation, switch on your router or modem and connect to the Internet. For that, go to network settings and use the Internet connect wizard. Once you’re online, get the latest updates, that are released by Microsoft. Get the best antivirus installed, as soon as possible. You’ll have to install Windows Office suite separately.
Installation is quite simple and straightforward as it is self-managed. All you have to do is choose the drive you want to install the computer operating system on and enter the license key. Rest will be taken care of by the Windows installer. Don’t forget to get hold of the driver software required to run the various devices installed on your computer.