Reinstalling Windows XP

Reinstalling Windows is a last resort but is sometimes necessary. We outline the options for XP users

A new computer with Windows XP installed runs smoothly and quickly, but it doesn’t take long for things to start to slow down.

Reinstalling and uninstalling programs, browsing the internet and general computer use can ultimately result in a PC that suffers from poor performance.

While there are all manner of tweaking tools and system maintenance utilities available, there comes a time when taking Windows back in time to its original state is the only sensible option.

Reinstalling Windows XP is a little different from reinstalling previous versions, such as Windows 98 and Me. The reason for this is that PCs sold with XP pre-installed do not come with a full set of Windows CDs, as older versions did. This is because the Windows XP licence does not permit a user to have two copies of the code simultaneously.

Instead, most manufacturers supply a ‘recovery disc’, which resets the hard disk to the condition it was in when sold – effectively a reinstallation. Sometimes this recovery software is stored not on a CD, but on a partition on the hard disk.

Recovery positions
To use a recovery CD, the PC needs to attempt to load its operating system from the CD drive rather than the hard disk – this is known as changing the boot sequence.

Most PCs automatically check the CD tray before the hard disk but if yours doesn’t it can be changed in the BIOS. The key used to access the BIOS differs between manufacturers but is usually one of the F keys, such as F12, and needs to be pressed repeatedly as soon as the PC is switched on. Click the link for a full account of how to access the BIOS.

Once this has been done, insert the recovery CD, or the first of the set if there is more than one, and restart the computer. When prompted, press any key to start up from CD and you will be guided through the recovery process.

In the case of computers supplied with a recovery partition, there are a few routes to investigate, which are dependent on the manufacturer. In some instances, the recovery partition is designed to enable you to create your own set of recovery CDs, so you will need to record the contents of this drive onto disc.

However, some manufacturers make it possible to access the setup files contained on the partition when the computer starts up. After switching on the power button, look out for a message that appears briefly on screen and indicates which key needs to be pressed to access the boot menu. From here you can access the restore facility and return Windows to its initial state.

Alternatively, it may be necessary to use the FDISK tool to change the active partition to the one containing the recovery files. This enables the computer to start up from the relevant partition and access the Windows setup files.

Users who bought their own copy of Windows XP from a shop or were provided with a full installation CD with their computer can perform a completely fresh installation of XP with full control over the process. As with using a recovery CD, ensure that your computer is configured to start up from CD, insert the XP installation disc and setup will begin automatically.

You will need to opt to format the existing Windows partition before reinstalling the operating system to the same location. Both of these methods of reinstalling Windows will delete everything from the hard drive – programs and personal files, as well as Windows itself.

Play it safe
If you are able to boot into Windows, there are several things to consider before going ahead with a reinstallation.

Most importantly, any valuable data should be backed up to removable media, such as recordable CDs or DVDs. This is because reinstalling Windows will wipe all data from the hard disk. Likely candidates for backup include the contents of the My Documents folder, any programs you have downloaded, and emails and personal files that have been saved in other locations.

Once Windows is back up and running, one of the first things to do after ensuring that essential components such as the mouse and keyboard are working properly is to install anti-virus and anti-spyware software and a firewall.

Make sure these are to hand ready for installation when needed – you could download the installation files for Computeractive’s recommended free applications and save them to a USB key before reinstalling.

Another crucial point is your first website visit should be to www.windowsupdate.com, as all vital security patches will be erased. You will need to download the XP Service Pack 2 again. Finally make sure installation discs for all software and peripherals you want to run are at hand and you’re ready to make a fresh start.

Reinstall without losing data
Anyone who has bought a copy of Windows XP on discs, and therefore has a full installation CD, has another option in the form of a repair installation. Using this method makes it possible to reinstall Windows without losing existing settings or affecting any other software that is installed – including the crucial Service Pack 2.

Start up your computer from the Windows XP installation CD and start the setup process as normal. After a system scan, a screen will appear offering the choice between setting up Windows, launching the Recovery Console or exiting setup. Although the Recovery Console might seem like the natural choice, you should in fact opt to set up Windows by pressing Enter.

Agree to the License Agreement by pressing F8 and the existing installation of Windows will be detected. Make sure it is selected in the list and press R to perform a repair installation. The setup process will then continue automatically, replacing any missing or corrupt files that may have been causing problems.

While this method offers a quick and easy way of fixing a number of problems, it is not guaranteed to work in every situation, and it is possible you will find that a full reinstallation is still necessary. Click the link for more information about using this method of reinstallation.