How do i format my pc?

[M and D]

Did your computer arrive with a set of recovery CDs or does it have a recovery partition?

Steven

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I am running Windows XP Home SP2. I want to get my computer to how
it was when i bought it, with only the stuff that was on their when
i bought it. Basically i want to reset it to how it came when i
bought it. Is there a way to do this?

Break out the manuals/paperwork and CDs that came with the computer.
Tell us what you have and what you read and then we can help.

 

[Maurice N ~ MVP]

I'd first save important & critical personal files to DVD or CD's.

Locate the Windows XP CD that came with the pc (if it came with it) [and be sure to have the jacket with the product key handy ! ].
Otherwise, you may have just a System Recovery CD that came from the factory.
If system recovery CD, follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Basically, booting the machine from the XP CD will start the process of installing Win XP.
Set pc BIOS to boot from CDROM first. Boot from XP CD.
Do a clean install (new) choice, and choose "advanced" options-button. This will allow a re-format of system drive.

Guide to upgrading (or new install) Win XP at Aumha.org
http://aumha.org/win5/a/xpupgrad.htm

If your CD's are not at Service Pack 2 level, you'll need to re-apply it later on.

 

[ravager88]

I am running Windows XP Home SP2. I want to get my computer to how it
was when i bought it, with only the stuff that was on their when i
bought it. Basically i want to reset it to how it came when i bought
it. Is there a way to do this?