How to Reformat Windows XP
When a Windows XP computer is malfunctioning and your attempts at fixing the system configuration have failed, reformatting the computer could be the only remaining alternative. However, reformatting an XP computer should be left to the Windows install utility; if you just blindly reformat all the space on the hard disk, many system files will be lost and the system will fail immediately. The right way of solving this problem is to reinstall Windows XP using the computer manufacturer's operating system image. That image is stored on a hidden partition on the hard disk.
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Instructions
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Reboot the computer. Turn it on if it was turned off.
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Make the computer boot into its recovery utility by pressing a designated key repeatedly as soon as you see the first screen in the boot sequence. The specific key depends on the brand and model of your computer, and is clearly listed in the computer's manual. For example, for the more-recent HP computers running Windows XP, press "F10" rapidly many times as soon as you see the blue HP boot screen appear.
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Instruct the recovery utility to reinstall Windows XP by following the prompts. For example, for an HP computer, click "Start," then click "PC Recovery." Answer "No" to the prompt about Microsoft System Restore. At the end of the process, which can take up to an hour, depending on the computer, the hard disk will have a correctly functioning, fresh image of Windows XP.
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