Repair a Windows XP Installation Without Formatting your Computer

Repairing a Windows XP installation will not wipe all your files such as formatting. Formatting Windows XP cleans your computer of absolutely everything you had on your computer, so that fact alone makes the repair a good option to try to help in the determination of an error. If you suspect a problem with the Windows system files, you can simply try to repair it before resorting to format the hard drive.

What you need to repair an installation of Windows XP:

1. An original Windows XP CD. The one you originally installed.(Not OEM)
2. A COA sticker with a serial number that matches your installation.There are other options to recover your Windows corrupted immediately, even if you do not have a CD of the operating system. If you have a CD, you can restore or repair your Windows XP.

How to Repair a Windows XP installation without formatting your computer:I guess you have your OS CD. If you do not see the repair option, and you see only one way to run Windows, then this tutorial is not for you.

1. First, you must put your Windows XP CD in the drive.
2. Then restart your computer.
3. When it says press any key to boot from CD, press any key on the keyboard. (Go to step 6)
4. If it does not make it, then restart your computer.
5. Go into the BIOS settings of your PC, usually by pressing F1, F2, F10, or maybe the delete button. If you are unsure, see the screen at startup and it will say: "So you press Enter the address ... ....».You must be quick and press it. If you miss it to restart. Once in the BIOS, you must change the boot options. You must open the CD-ROM the first boot option. Save and Close.
6. A blue screen appears and you are on the way ..

1. Press Enter to setup Windows XP now. Do not choose to Repair yet.
2. If there is a copy of Windows XP on your computer setup will find it.
3. See below where it says C:windows “Microsoft Windows XP Professional” Make sure this is selected. It may say Windows XP home also.

1. Now choose to Repair the selected Windows XP installation by pressing the letter R on the keyboard.
2. Now windows will seem to run through the usual setup process, however a lot quicker. Don’t panic because it will not wipe your files if you have chosen to repair.
3. At some point you will have to enter the serial number and restart the computer.
4. When you login again your files will still be there but the Windows errors you had will not.

Notes:

• This article relates to an original Windows XP cd. If you use an OEM Version of Xp it may actually format your entire computer and you will loose all of your data.

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