XP: How do I System Restore with No Restore Points

[Amanda]

Great. Unbeknown to us, the option "Turn off Restore
Points" has been checked since we got our computer, so we
can't do a system restore the "easy way" the support
website explains. Is there a way to completely restore
the computer without restore points? In other words, take
off Windows XP, & then put it back on as if it's a new
computer?

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Amanda;
System Restore was not designed or intended to "put it back on as if
it's a new computer"
System Restore is limited to a few days to a few months depending on
computer usage and your personal settings.
See this for more about System Restore:
http://microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/itcommunity/Newsgroups/FAQSRWXP.asp

Repair Installation (fixes many problems, normally leaves data intact)
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_repair_install.htm

Clean Installation (destroys all data)
Disconnect all peripherals (camera, printer, scanner, etc)
Go to BIOS and set CDROM as boot device before hard drive.
Insert Windows XP CD and reboot.
At "Press any key to boot to CDROM" quickly press a key and follow the
prompts for a Clean installation:
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp
Delete all partitions in step 5 if you desire to erase all data on the
hard drive.
Partitioning and formatting will be done automatically.
All data will be destroyed, back-up important data first.

After you are finished, you will need to load the appropriate drivers.

If your computer was shipped with Windows XP, these procedures may or
may not apply.
Check your manual or contact the computer manufacturer for more
details.