How to Repair Windows XP Home Edition From a Disc

Use a Repair Installation to return your computer to working order.

The easiest and most effective way of repairing a software problem is to wipe out the hard drive and install the operating system from scratch. The obvious problem with this is that everything is deleted, both the good and the bad. Fortunately, Windows XP provides an alternative in the form of a "Repair Installation," which can be accessed from the Windows Setup program included on every Windows XP disc.

Things You'll Need

• Windows XP disc

Instructions

1. Insert your Windows CD and restart your computer. When given the prompt to press any key to boot from CD, do so.

2. Wait for the Windows Setup program to load. At the "Welcome to Setup" screen, press "Enter" to start the installation.

3. Press "F8" to accept the Terms and Conditions. On the next screen, highlight the Windows installation you wish to repair and press "R."

4. Allow the program to install the necessary files, after which it will automatically restart. If given the prompt to boot from CD as in Step One, ignore it; instead, allow Windows to load.

5. Enter your language and regional settings if they are different from the default, then follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.

Tips & Warnings

• You may need to change your boot order if you are not prompted to boot from CD. The exact method of doing this will vary depending on your computer's manufacturer, but the settings can generally be found in the BIOS, found by pressing F2 when the computer first turns on.

• Disconnect your network cable before starting the Repair Installation, as the process leaves your computer susceptible to certain viruses until the installation is over and the Windows XP firewall starts up.

References

• Microsoft: Perform a Repair Installation