Reinstaling Windows XP

You reinstall Windows XP by starting your computer from the Windows XP CD, pressing ENTER to set up Windows XP, pressing F8 on Microsoft License agreement, and then pressing R to repair the selected installation.

If you have important data, it is advised to save them before reinstallation.

1. You have to provide Product Key.
2. You have to reinstall Service Pack 1 if it was not included in the CD.
3. You have to reinstall some or all Microsoft Critical Updates.

References:

http://tinyurl.com/zdnv on How to perform an in-place upgrade (reinstallation) of Windows XP

http://tinyurl.com/4zk77 on You May Lose Data or Program Settings After Reinstalling, Repairing, or Upgrading Windows XP

Why do you believe that you need to re-install XP?

Unlike Windows 95 and 98, re-installing XP replaces ALL system files and the registry.

You will need to re-install ALL of your application programs, and appropriate Windows updates.

Also, installing XP directly over itself can cause you to have 2 sessions of XP installed on your PC.

If your system has so bad a problem that you need to re-install XP, I do recommend backing up your files and starting over with a clean formatted hard drive.

Chas

You might try "File\Run\SFC /SCANNOW", this wil replace any missing windows files. You will need your XP CD.
If you had a virus though and it damaged your windows installation, your security may be scrambled. XP Pro has a fix for tha Home doesn't and requires a format and re-install.

You might try "File\Run\SFC /SCANNOW", this wil replace any missing windows files. You will need your XP CD.
If you had a virus though and it damaged your windows installation, your security may be scrambled. XP Pro has a fix for tha Home doesn't and requires a format and re-install.

boot from your XP cd,and try the windows recovery first.

1. Have product key ready.
2. Insert the operating system CD and restart the computer.
3. Press any key when the prompt for booting from the CD comes up.
4. Follow the prompt for installation.