Reinstalling Windows XP
NOTICE: You must use Windows XP Service Pack 1 or later when you reinstall Windows XP.
To reinstall Windows XP, perform all the steps in the following sections in the order in which they are listed.
The reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete. After you reinstall the operating system, you must also reinstall the device drivers, virus protection program, and other software.
NOTICE: The Operating System CD provides options for reinstalling Windows XP. The options can overwrite files and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, do not reinstall Windows XP unless a Dell technical support representative instructs you to do so.
NOTICE: To prevent conflicts with Windows XP, disable any virus protection software installed on your computer before you reinstall Windows XP. See the documentation that came with the software for instructions.
Booting From the Operating System CD
1Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
2Insert the Operating System CD. Click Exit if Install Windows XP message appears.
3Restart the computer.
4Press <F12> immediately after the DELL™ logo appears.
If the operating system logo appears, wait until you see the Windows desktop, and then shut down the computer and try again.
5Press the arrow keys to select
6When the Press any key to boot from CD message appears, press any key.
Windows XP Setup
1When the Windows XP Setup screen appears, press <Enter> to select To set up Windows now.
2Read the information on the Microsoft Windows Licensing Agreement screen, and press <F8> to accept the license agreement.
3If your computer already has Windows XP installed and you want to recover your current Windows XP data, type r to select the repair option, and remove the CD.
4If you want to install a new copy of Windows XP, press <Esc> to select that option.
5Press <Enter> to select the highlighted partition (recommended), and follow the instructions on the screen.
The Windows XP Setup screen appears, and the operating system begins to copy files and install the devices. The computer automatically restarts multiple times.
NOTE: The time required to complete the setup depends on the size of the hard drive and the speed of your computer.
Quick Reference Guide
27