Microsoft Windows XP Operating System - How to Reformat

Step 1

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Backup any files that you do not want to be erased by the reformat process and then get the original software install disk for any software that you want to retain in your computer.

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Step 2

Write down the brand and information for all the hardware on your computer. Look in the Device Manager (control panel > systems > hardware > device manager) and make note of the brand and model of network adapters, video cards, sound cards, printers, modems, and displays. After reformatting you might need this information to reinstall drivers.

Step 3

Get the original install disk for hardware such as printer, scanner, webcam, external drive, etc. If you do not have the disk, you can go online and search the manufacturer's site or similar websites to download and save the drivers in a flash drive or disk for use later.

Step 4

Insert the Windows XP Operating System installation disk into the CD-ROM drive and restart the computer. Press any key to boot from CD when prompted by the installation disc. If the computer continues to boot from the hard drive, you will need to go to BIOS and instruct the computer to boot from the CD-ROM.

Step 5

At the Welcome to Setup page, press ENTER.

Step 6

When the software licensee is displayed, press "F8" to agree. The installation process will scan the computer's hard drive for some basic information.

Step 7

The Windows XP repair option will appear, press "Esc" button to bypass this option. A list of the hard drive partitions on the system will then be displayed.

Step 8

Using the up and down arrow keys, select the partition containing the Windows XP installation. It might be the only partition listed or else, it will be the largest partition listed. Press the "D" key to delete the partition, and then press "L" and "Enter" to confirm the choice

Step 9

Type the size in megabytes (MB) that you want to use for the new partition, and then press ENTER, or just press ENTER to create the partition with the maximum size.

Step 10

Select the newly created partition, and press "Enter" to install Windows XP on it. Format the drive using the "NTFS" file system then follow the prompts to continue the installation. It's not advisable to select the "Quick" option as it may leave intact certain structures of the old file system.

Step 11

The new Windows XP will boot and ask some configuration questions, and then it will begin looking for hardware. Install all of the drivers for the hardware on the system, and then reboot the machine as required.

Step 12

You can install all of the software that will be needed on the computer, and then copy all personal files into the new Microsoft Windows XP installation. Do not forget to install a dependable anti-virus and anti-spyware software before you go online.

Microsoft Windows XP Operating System - How to Reformat

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