How to Freshly Reformat Windows XP
Almost every computer user will have to do a fresh reformat and install of Windows XP at some point. Common causes can be a virus infestation, the need for hard drive space or to clean up the system so that everything will run faster. Doing a fresh reformat of Windows XP is not hard, but does require several hours to accomplish.
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Instructions
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1
Back up all important data on your hard drive to another medium such as CD, DVD, or a zip or flash drive. This includes any document files, downloaded program files, and pictures and music files you want to keep.
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2
Click on the "My Computer" icon on the desktop.
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3
Right click on "Drive C." Choose the "Format" option from the display.
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Click on "Start" from the Format option screen. This will wipe out the data on your hard drive, including the system files for Windows XP.
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5
Place your XP installation disk in the CD or DVD drive and reboot your computer.
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Follow the instructions on screen to reload Windows XP on the freshly formatted hard drive.
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7
Reload any necessary software and copy your back-up data files to the computer.
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Tips & Warnings
You will need your Windows XP Key Code to reinstall the operating system to your computer.
If your computer was shipped with Windows XP stored in a hidden partition on your hard drive, consult your user manual to determine how to access and install these files.
Many brands of computers allow you to create recovery disks to reinstall Windows XP. Consult your user's manual to learn how to create these disks.
