Reinstall XP ?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Alan
  • Start date Start date
A

Alan

I have just bought a second hand PC that is running XP. I
want to clear all of the programs and files currently on
it loaded by the previous owner and get it back to day
one condition. There is no file info that I need to save.
What is the easiest way to get the system back
to "factory fresh"?
I am not averse to completely reinstalling XP from
scratch as I have regularly done this on an older PC
running W98, but I would need a step by step run through
for XP. OR IS THERE A BETTER WAY ! Help very much
appreciated.Alan
 
Furnished courtesy of The Elder Geek and Jupiter Jones:

Clean Install Windows XP

http://theeldergeek.com/clean_installation_of_windows_xp.h
tm


Clean Installation: Disconnect all peripherals (camera,
printer, scanner, etc) Disconnect network/modem cable. 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.as
p 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. Enable or install firewall
BEFORE connecting network cable.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=283673 Install ALL
Critical Windows Updates: Start/All Programs/Windows
Update 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. -- Jupiter Jones [MVP]
 
Before you begin, make sure you have a valid version of XP Home or Pro and the Product ID.

Without this you will not achieve your aim.

If you have a full retail version of XP, Boot off the CD and Windows will prompt you through the various options.

May I recommend that you choose to Install and Format the hard drive: choose NTFS. This will wipe all the information off the drive and begin a full installation.
 
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