How to Reinstall XP on an IBM Computer

Most IBM computers come preloaded with Windows XP on the hard drive. When you boot up the computer for the first time, the XP operating system loads and your computer is ready for use. The files needed to load XP are located in a hidden partition on the hard drive. There are a number of ways to reinstall XP on the computer if you experience problems.

Things You'll Need

• Rescue and recovery disks

Instructions

1. Tap and hold down the F1 key when you first boot your computer. If XP and IBM files are in a hidden partition, this will take you into the Rescue and Recovery (R & R) program on your computer. Use the mouse to click on "Reset to Factory Settings" to have the computer format and reinstall Windows XP on your computer. If your keyboard has the "Access IBM" key, push that instead of F1 to take you to the R & R program. If you don't have the hidden partition, proceed to Step 2.

2. Create a set of rescue and recovery disks if you haven't already done so. This can be done through the Access IBM folder on your start menu. The system only allows you to make one set of disks, so be sure to put them in a safe place. These can be used to reinstall XP at anytime, and should you have a total hard drive failure it will allow you to use a new hard drive in your system. Be sure to label the disks in numerical order as you do them.

3. Write down your IBM computer model number and serial number. Call IBM Support at [phone] and ask if rescue and recovery disks are available for your system. There will be a charge for these, but it is much less than purchasing a new license for Windows XP.

4. Insert Disk 1 of your rescue and recovery disks into your CD or DVD drive. Follow the onscreen instructions to install XP and the IBM drivers and utilities on your system. Just like running the R & R program on the hard drive, the disks will format your hard drive and reinstall your system like new.

Tips & Warnings

• Rescue and recovery disks are keyed to the individual IBM computer. They look for both model and serial number in the BIOS to install Windows XP on the system, along with the appropriate licensing key code. These disks cannot be used to install XP on a different IBM or other brand computer.

• Always back up important data before reinstalling the operating system when possible. Reinstalling XP will clean the hard drive and no previous data files will be available.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• IBM Website