How to Reinstall Windows XP for a Laptop
When your operating system stops working correctly, you might need to re-install it. In many cases, when you continue operating the same computer for years, installing and un-installing programs over and over again, sometimes certain operating system files don't work as well as they once did. When that happens, you can also start a re-installation of your operating system. If you use the same operating system for a number of years, it is often helpful to re-install the system software every now and then.
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Instructions
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1
Put the original CD or DVD for the operating system in your CD or DVD drive.
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2
Shut down your computer and restart the computer. Boot from the CD, if your system asks. This will start the installation process and will pause when a blue installation screen appears.
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3
As the screen directs, press the "Enter" key to continue the installation process.
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4
Press the "F8" key to continue the installation, agreeing with the Windows Operating System licensing agreement.
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5
Press the "R" key on the next screen to attempt the repair process. This process will attempt to re-install all the operating system files that are on the installation disk without bothering any of the customization that you have done to your operating system. This process may take a few hours to complete, but when it completes, you should have Windows XP re-installed and working on your laptop.
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Tips & Warnings
If Step 5 does not give you the "R" option, your disk is corrupt and you should check your disk for errors before you install any operating system.
