Sometimes manufacturers do not include the Windows XP Operating System CD when you first buy your new computer. It is possible though, to re-install Windows XP without the need of the CD.
If you have lost your CD or the manufacturers do not supply a Windows XP CD with the purchase of your new computer, they have most definitely stored a copy in your hard drive for later use. You can easily access this copy of the CD on your hard drive to completely reinstall or format partitions on your computer. Remember, before you do anything you should back up any important data saved on your machine. This could include photos, documents or music for example.
Click on My Computer then C: WINDOWS then i386 or C:i386. This is the part where a lot of people get confused. They realize that a copy of their Windows XP CD is here, but they look for the wrong files. Most people will try to find a file named "Setup", "Install", or "Windows".
The file you are looking for is called winnt32.exe. Open this application and proceed with the instructions given. It will lead you through 5 simple phases that will wipe out your computer and reinstall the operating system. You should also make sure you have all the required software packages on CD to reinstall the drivers that will be wiped out during this process before you proceed.
If you have lost your CD or the manufacturers do not supply a Windows XP CD with the purchase of your new computer, they have most definitely stored a copy in your hard drive for later use. You can easily access this copy of the CD on your hard drive to completely reinstall or format partitions on your computer. Remember, before you do anything you should back up any important data saved on your machine. This could include photos, documents or music for example.
Click on My Computer then C: WINDOWS then i386 or C:i386. This is the part where a lot of people get confused. They realize that a copy of their Windows XP CD is here, but they look for the wrong files. Most people will try to find a file named "Setup", "Install", or "Windows".
The file you are looking for is called winnt32.exe. Open this application and proceed with the instructions given. It will lead you through 5 simple phases that will wipe out your computer and reinstall the operating system. You should also make sure you have all the required software packages on CD to reinstall the drivers that will be wiped out during this process before you proceed.
