Not yet registered? Create a OverBlog!

Create my blog

How to reformat Windows XP for beginners

For whatever reason, there are times that you need to reformat your PC and reinstall Windows XP. There reasons for this could be manifold, such as having a computer which is too infected with viruses to be cleaned or when you've just installed a new hard drive for instance. This can be a daunting prospect for some people, but here I shall guide you through the process.

Things you will need

When you need to format your computer, reinstalling XP requires two essential things. Without them then we can't continue. These are: - A Windows XP CD You should have received one of these with your computer. If you don't have one or this is the first time you are installing Windows XP, these can still be purchased. Microsoft sell them directly and so do some computer hardware shops. The cheapest option however is to buy online.
- A valid Windows XP license key This will either be on the CD's packaging or on computers that already came with Windows XP installed, usually on the back of the PC's case.

Installing Windows XP

Installation process -With your PC on, place the CD into the drive then shut down your computer. -Start up your computer. You need to get the PC to boot from the CD. Settings for this vary from machine to machine but instructions on how to do so will be found in the user manual. -A screen will appear asking you to press any key to boot from the CD. Press any key. -You will soon be presented with a Welcome to Setup page. Press F8 to continue. -You'll be asked if you want to repair your existing Windows XP installation. Press ESC to bypass the repair and install a fresh copy. -You now need to choose which partition you are going to install Windows XP on. Using the arrow keys, choose the one that had the original copy of Windows XP on it. Press D to delete it then L to confirm. Press Enter to create a new partition. -Choose this newly created partition as the one to install Windows XP on. Format the drive as NTFS (the will be a quick option or a thorough, quick is usually fine). -The installation process will now begin. Now and again, it will ask you to enter certain details (such as your license key) and it may restart several times. During these restarts if you get the message asking you to press any key to boot from the CD, do not press anything. And that's it! Typically it will take between 30 minutes to over an hour to reinstall Windows XP.

Same category articles Computers

A guide to Earthlink DSL

A guide to earthlink dsl

Earthlink dsl is the latest and one of the most rapidly growing dsl high speed internet service provider. it is highly recommended to people who wish to have internet high speed services through broadband technology. however, unlike others, these consumers do not need to pay for their cable. this article provides you with a guide to earthlink dsl.
How to instal a long range Wi-Fi antenna

How to instal a long range wi-fi antenna

Home ieee 802.11 wi-fi networks have been popular for many years, but as with all electromagnetic signals, the strength of the signal reduces with increased range and can drop if it is impeded by walls or other objects. this is a significant barrier to setting up long range business or neighbourhood network. in this article, we will look at how you install a long range wi-fi antenna to increase the range of your wireless network.
Internet Engineering Task Force: The facts

Internet engineering task force: the facts

If you have ever wondered what makes the internet work smoothly, the answer is that different organisations work behind the scenes to formulate policies and enforce high internet standards. an example of one such organisation is the internet engineering task force (ietf) that is dedicated to enhancing global internet usability. this article provides guide to the internet engineering task force.
Where can I find an Apple shop in UK?

Where can i find an apple shop in uk?

Apple inc. is an internationally recognised company that markets electronic goods, well known for its advances in the technological world. since its discovery in 1976, the business has branched out across the globe, and now has over 320 stores worldwide as of early june 2011. this article will be analysing where to find apple branches within the uk.