How to Remove One Operating System From a Computer

An operating system provides a software platform for all programs and files that run on a computer. Therefore, your choice of operating system determines the applications and programs that you can use. If you want to change the current operating system, you need to remove it first, and then install a new one. If your computer is on "dual boot," two operating systems installed, you can remove one of them whenever necessary. These processes may sound complicated, but you can actually do them in a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

• External storage device
• Windows operating system disk

Instructions

1. Back up all important files, programs and applications. Save them to an external storage media. Note that once the operating system is removed, all files will be deleted.

2. Set the computer to "boot from CD." Reboot the computer and press the key that corresponds to the BIOS before it loads the operating system completely. Keys are usually F2, F10 or Del, depending on the brand of BIOS you are using. Navigate to the "Advanced" or "Boot" tab. Change the "boot device priority," "boot order," "boot sequence" (or something similar) and then set your CD/DVD-ROM as the number one device. Save your changes and then exit.

3. Insert the operating system disc into the optical drive of your computer (CD/DVD-ROM), and then wait for it to reboot. When the computer asks you if you want to "boot from CD," press any key.

4. Wait for the welcome screen to appear. After a while, your partitions will be displayed. To select, move your cursor to the partition. Delete each partition to remove the operating system installed, including all other programs and applications in the computer. To delete, press "D," and then "L" to confirm.

5. If the computer has two operating systems, simply format the drive where the second operating system is installed. Click "Start," and then "My Computer." Right click on the name of the drive, and then select "Format." If you want to format the drive quickly, click the tick box for "Quick Format," and then select "Start." Wait until the formatting process is finished.

Tips & Warnings

• Note that when all partitions are deleted, it can be difficult to retrieve files in case you forgot to backup an important file. Always double check before proceeding to the formatting process.

References

• University of Iowa: Reformatting Your Computer Using Windows XP
• SelfSEO.com: How To Remove One Operating System from a Dual Boot Windows Xp Computer

Resources

• Microsoft: Install, Reinstall, or Uninstall Windows