- 1). Save all Internet favorites, emails, documents, pictures, music and other files to an external hard drive or blank discs. If you do not, these files will be irretrievably wiped out when you reformat.
- 2). Insert the Windows disc and restart your machine.
- 3). After restarting, you will be prompted to press any key to boot from disc. Press any key when this happens. If you do not receive this prompt, see the notes below.
- 4). Wait for Windows to run through your hard drive. You'll be presented with a screen with all the partitions on your computer. Delete each of them: press "D" to choose to delete, then "L" to confirm your selection.
- 5). Press "Enter" to choose your only choice: "Unpartitioned Space."
- 6). Format using the NTFS file system by pressing "Enter." While Windows installs, don't touch anything. It will reboot when it's finished.
- 7). When you are prompted to input your product key, do so. If you are using the version of Windows that came with your computer, the product key is usually on a sticker attached to the case of your machine. Click "Next" when you have completed that step.
- 8). Set your timezone using the drop-down menu. Click "Next" when you've chosen.
- 9). Name any accounts you will be using. Click "Next."
- 10
If you are prompted for Network settings, choose the "Typical" option. It will probably be the default. Click "Next." - 11
When you are taken to the Desktop, activate Windows using the onscreen instructions. - 12
Remove the Windows CD. Reformatting with Windows XP is complete.
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