How to Restore Windows XP Professional on My Computer
- 1). Locate the recovery CD and operating system CD that came with your computer. If you cannot locate the CDs, contact your computer manufacturer.
- 2). Insert the recovery CD into your computer's CD or DVD drive. Shut down and restart your computer. The PC should boot from the CD automatically. If it does not, shut down the computer, restart it and watch for the "Press any key to boot from the CD" message. Press a key to force the computer to boot from the CD.
- 3). Verify that you want to restore the computer to factory new condition and answer "Yes" when asked if you want to format your hard drive.
- 4). Insert the operating system CD when prompted. Enter the license key when prompted--this license key should be located on a small label on the top of your computer.
- 5). Answer "Yes" at the prompt when asked to reboot your computer. Allow the restore process to complete, then restart and log on to your computer.
- 6). Connect to the Internet and go to the Windows Update site (see Resources section) to download and install any updates that have been released since your computer was built.
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