How to Format & Reinstall Windows XP in a Dimension 4550

Reformat Windows XP using the Windows XP CD

The process of formatting and reinstalling Windows XP for a Dell Dimension 4550 is known as "reformatting." When reformatting the Windows XP program is deleted from the hard drive. You can delete and reinstall Windows XP in the same program when you boot from the Windows XP CD.

Things You'll Need

• Windows XP CD
• Computer

Instructions

1. Insert the Windows XP CD in the CD-ROM drive and restart the computer.

2. Press any key to boot from the CD. You may need to press F12 during the system boot to change the boot device priority to the CD-ROM drive.

3. Press Enter to enter the setup, then press F8 to accept the user agreement. If prompted about repairing Windows, press "Esc."

4. Select the hard drive that has Windows XP installed on it (most likely C:\). Press "D" to delete the hard drive, then press "L" to confirm it.

5. Select the unpartitioned drive, then press "Enter" to reinstall Windows XP.

6. Select the NTFS file system (not slow). Windows will begin to install itself. You may need to select the language and the admin user name and password during the setup. Also, you may need to set the date and time for the system. After the setup completes, the computer will restart.

References

• Lifehacker.com: Geek to Live: How to format your hard drive and install Windows XP from scratch