How to Format a Laptop & Reinstall XP Pro

Reinstalling Windows XP Professional removes all data from your hard drive.

If you are attempting to fix a problem with your laptop, you may want to reinstall the operating system and format your laptop. However, you should only reinstall Windows XP Professional as a solution to a technical problem if you've exhausted all other options; reinstalling XP will erase all data on your computer.

Things You'll Need

• Windows Installation CD

Instructions

1. Start your laptop and insert the Windows XP Pro Installation CD. The CD automatically runs once you've inserted it.

2. Click "Install Windows XP" from the "Welcome to Windows XP Professional" page. This opens the Windows setup page.

3. Click "Upgrade" in the "Installation Type" box. Click "Next" to continue to the next screen, which is the license agreement page.

4. Agree to the licensing terms by clicking "I accept this agreement." Click "Next" to continue to the product key page.

5. Enter the 25-character product key in the product key boxes. You can find the product key on the original Windows XP Professional packaging. Click "Next" to continue.

6. Follow the reinstallation prompts. You will be asked to specify a primary language along with other basic settings. Your laptop's hard drive is reformatted and Windows XP Professional is reinstalled on your laptop.

References

• Microsoft Windows: How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP
• Microsoft Windows: Windows XP Pro Official Page