How to Reset Windows XP

Windows XP is an operating system designed and released by Microsoft. Windows XP was the default operating system on PCs manufactured between 2001 and 2007 (the year Windows Vista was launched). Many individuals still operate their computers using Windows XP. Occasionally, these individuals may wish to reset Windows XP to its original factory settings as a way to clear out the hard drive and restore all default software, utilities and settings. Learn how to reset Windows XP to clean and restore your installation of the operating system.

Instructions:

1. Backup any computer data that you wish to save. Resetting Windows XP will completely wipe your hard drive and delete all files on your computer. You may backup your computer using blank CDs/DVDs, an external hard drive or an online backup service such as Mozy.com.

2. Insert the original Windows XP installation disk into the CD-ROM drive of your computer.

3. Click the Start menu button in the lower left-hand corner of Windows XP and select Restart to reboot your computer.

4. Press any key on your keyboard during the booting process to launch the Windows XP installation setup screen.

5. Choose Enter Setup on the setup screen. Do not click Repair. After selecting Enter Setup, press the Enter key on your keyboard.

6. Review the licensing terms provided by Microsoft to all users of the Windows XP operating system. Press the F8 key on your keyboard to confirm that you have read these terms and agree to them.

7. Wait for the Windows XP installation disk to scan your hard drive and locate your current Windows XP installation. Select the target hard drive partition in which you wish to reset and restore the Windows XP operating system. Typically, the default drive is the C:\\ partition.

8. Select the type of Windows file system that you wish to revert to from the setup screen. Click Enter after making your selection.

9. Press Enter on the next screen to prompt the setup software to begin the Windows XP reset process. Wait for the entire reinstall process to complete before closing the dialog box. Depending on the size of your hard drive and the speed of your computer processor, this process may take several hours.

10.Type your entire Windows XP registration code at the end of the installation process.

11.Enter the settings for the Windows XP reset, such as your time zone and name. This will erase any current settings in your old Windows XP installation.

12.Press any key to complete the installation and restart your PC.

Source: ehow