how do i set my compaq with xp pro back to factory settings?

Answer 1

There is no magic button!
Put the XP disc in and reformat the hard drive and re install XP, then reinstall ALL of the drivers, if you have the discs!
YOU WILL LOSE ALL THE DATA ON YOUR COMPUTER, so back it up first!
You will then have it back to when you bought it.

Answer 2

First...IF you are planning to get rid of, (sell), the computer, the following does NOT apply.

Use the "recovery console", and set to factory defaults.

BEFORE clearing to sell, copy to external storage ALL files you wish to keep.

Using Administrator account, DELETE ALL the files from the user's accounts using a program that can run a "security" delete, and THEN delete the users.

THEN using a program that will do a "security" delete, DELETE ALL files and programs from the administrator account, EXCEPT the "Windows" OS

Then using the "recovery console" format, and reinstall with factory settings.

This will remove ALL "personal" files "beyond recovery" except POSSIBLY from a very determined and experienced party.