How to Format & Reinstall Windows XP Without a CD

Techwalla may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
Image Credit: Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images

The Windows XP CD included with most computers shipped with the operating system already installed acts as a boot CD . This CD allows the user to repair, reformat and reinstall the computer's operating system. It is advisable to reinstall the operating system every now and then to clear out the sludge and speed everything back up a bit. If you've lost the Windows XP CD, you might be at a loss as to how to preform this operation, but Microsoft actually includes the Windows XP installation files on the hard drive. Accessing the proper files, you can reinstall the system as if using the CD.

Advertisement

Step 1

Back up all data to an external hard drive before proceeding.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Open the "i386" folder within "Windows" located in the root of the C: drive.

Step 3

Double-click the "winnt32.exe" file. This will launch the Windows XP installer utility.

Advertisement

Step 4

Follow the on-screen prompts for instructions on how to format and reinstall Windows XP. Enter your Windows XP Product Key as prompted (located on the computer itself, most likely). When the process completes, the system will reboot and launch into your newly reinstalled Windows XP operating system.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

Advertisement

Advertisement

references

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...