can someone explain how to reformat xp windows.?

Question

I have a dell pc with xp windows in it. Would like to wipe clean and re install xp windows again. anyone know how

Answer 1

You need...NEED the windows xp cd. with a valid windows key that coresponds to that cd. Once you have the cd you put the cd in your drive and boot your computer from that cd. So in the BIOS settings which are usually accessed by a certain key when the computer first starts up usually like F2 or something. then go to boot sequence and switch the options so that the cdrom drive boots first. then restart your computer and it will say "press any key to boot from cd" or just do it automaticaly. from there on its pretty straight forward. but if you really have no idea what you're doing i wouldnt recomend doing it. If you're doing it no matter what advice I give you, and my explanation just isn't enough. Search google for xp reformatt tutorial.
hope this helps

Answer 2

Make sure you have your original Windows XP installation disk (a lot of computer manufacturers only include a recovery disk with their products).

Also make sure you have all of your data backed up, when you reformat, it will be near impossible to recover any files you "missed."

Put your Windows XP disc into your CD/DVD drive and go into your BIOS and make sure that the boot order has the CD-Rom drive ahead of the HDD.

Let the installation disk load boot up, hit F8 to accept the license agreement. The disc will find your installed XP Operating System and will ask if you want to repair it. You don't, so select the option to not repair it (I think it's ESC).

When you see all your existing HDDs and their corresponding partitions, select the partition you want to install XP on (probably the one that currently has XP on it) and press "D" to delete the partition. Hit enter then hit "L" to confirm deletion (these instructions are also shown on screen).

Now select the un-partition spaced that you just created, hit C to create a new partition, choose a quick format. After it formats, reselect the newly made partition and hit "Enter" to install Windows XP on it.

Answer 3

Sure. Backup all your data before formatting!
Once that is done, put the OS cd or 3 1/2 in the drive and reboot the computer. (Your PC should look for the CD or floppy first before loading the Hard Drive)
Follow the prompts on the screen to reinstall, which will give you the option of formatting.
If you want to format your Hard Drive and leave it blank, use the recovery console or a windows 98 boot disk and get to the command prompt, then type in format C: or D: (whatever drive letter your hard drive has taken)

Answer 4

First, u have to save you importantd documents..you can use a USB (flashdrive). Dont worry about programs because if u want to reformat teh computer it means somethign is wrong..and proograms is teh cause most o fteh times.. (anyways if u have programs that you bought, you should be able to reintallthem after formating).

Second.. you insert your windows xp CD. an d reestart teh computer. Start teh computer with the CD .... u know ist difficult to explain. just go to this website... i believe this could help..

http://lifehacker.com/software/windows/geek-to-live-how-to-format-your-hard-drive-and-install-windows-xp-from-scratch-157578.php

good luck!

Answer 5

Restart you computer with the XP disk in the drive.

Select to install new XP

Select delete partition

Select create partition - you are now ready to install a fresh copy

Answer 6

If it came with a recovery disc, insert the disc, reboot and follow the on-screen prompts.

Answer 7

Print out these instructions
http://spyware-free.us/tutorials/reformat/