How do I reinstall winxp home?

Question

I got this computer at goodwill it's an e-machine 996mhz 386ram it has windows xp home edition do you need the xp cd to do a reinstall? I don't know if you do or not I would like to wipe the harddrive so it will be like new i think thats what it will do any help on this would help thanks

Answer 1

You do need a windows CD to reinstall. If you want to wipe everything and start clean here's what to do:

1. Insert the CD and restart the computer
2. Before the computer boots up it will recognize the windows CD and say press any key to boot from disk. Do this.
3. This will eventually take you to a blue screen, follow the instructions and do the following:
- Press F8 to agree to the license
- Set up new install of windows xp
- Use NTSC file format
- Format the C drive (quick format)

4. The formatting will basically erase everything from the drive. After this, the computer will restart automatically, this time you DO NOT want to boot from disk.

5. Next you will go to the actual windows setup. Its really easy, and doesn't require a lot of input. All you really have to do is select a time zone, name your computer, and other basic things. It will take probably 30-50 min to install and during that time you only have to do a few things so you can leave it alone and come back to check on it periodically.

6. After this is done it will restart and a clean copy of windows will boot up.

- If you have any more questions please feel free to send me a message and I'll be glad to help you.

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 2

If you do not have the re-install disk (back up ISO) of the factory install, which all Emachines usually come with as a emergency backup, and you want to fully wipe the hard drive with a new install, you only have really three options. Install Linux, buy XP Home, or buy XP Pro.

You can clean up the current install, however if you are a novice with computers, I would strongly urge you not to bother with that method.

The fact that the computer is only a 966 MHZ and only has 386 of Ram really does not help matters as well. That barely meets the requirements of Xp or even some bigger Linux distros such as SUSE.

It is a very old machine with dated components and would be a excellent Linux machine, but for XP, new service pack downloads and todays programs, games, graphics and other intensive areas, the machine is going to fall short miserably.

In short, simply keep it as is while learning how to clean the hard drive up yourself. There are some small things you can do with it without hurting it or deleting files you need, using XP's own tools under the Administrator account, such as Disk Fragmentation, Disk Cleanup, Delete Temporary Files and of course, management of User Accounts.

Its not worth putting any more money into it.

Answer 3

If that is an improve version, then specific, you've XP domicile put in first. Why precisely are you upgrading to professional? It has very few advantages over domicile and the customary public will in no way use the further features.

Answer 4

Before trying that, you might try using the System restore option. It restores your computer to an earlier time. This is something that can be done whenever there is a bad error and you can't figure out how to fix it.

Answer 5

yes you will need the CD it's a little confusing to do but it is worth your while if you want to do it but it will guide you threw it it's not at that hard to do but if you have any more questions you can email me at [e-mail]