How to Repair Windows XP Without Reformatting

         Repairing Windows XP without reformatting is a fairly simple task. The repair process requires the Windows XP installation CD. Repairing
Windows XP will fix certain problems on your computer, but some of your programs may not work afterward, and you may have to re-install
software patches.

 Instructions 


1. Back up your files and data if possible. Repairing Windows XP should not damage your data, but if something goes wrong, the backup will ensure you don't lose everything. Write down your Windows XP product key. The product key should be on the COA sticker on the front, side, or bottom of your computer. Do not proceed without the product key, as you may not be able to complete the repair.

2. Uninstall Internet Explorer 7 or Internet Explorer 8 if present on your computer. Repairing Windows with Internet Explorer 7 or Internet
Explorer 8 installed will typically break Internet Explorer.
To uninstall, click your "Start" button and open the Control Panel. Open "Add or Remove Programs." Highlight Internet Explorer 7 or Internet Explorer 8 and choose "Remove." The program will disappear from the list when removal is complete.







3. Insert your Windows XP disk and boot to it. Keep a close eye on the process--you may be prompted to press a certain key to boot from CD.
Windows installation will load a blue screen with status updates and instructions. Whenever the installation process is waiting on your
input, it will give you a selection of answer choices either on the screen or on the gray bar at the bottom of the screen.


4. Press "Enter" at the "Welcome to Setup" screen. Press "F8" to accept the license agreement. Press "R" to repair the existing installation. The file installation process will run for a few minutes with no further intervention. After file installation, the repair process will launch the standard Windows XP installation, which runs for a few minutes before asking you for information.

5. Set your Region and Language on the "Windows XP Professional Installation" screen. Click "Next." Enter your Workgroup or Domain name. This screen may already be populated with the information in your existing Windows XP installation. Click "Next." The repair installation process will finish with no further intervention, and may take 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the age and speed of your computer. At the end of the process, the computer will restart and launch Windows.

6. Follow the on-screen instructions through Windows XP's setup wizard. If asked "Who will use this computer?" you must create at least one new user, even though your pre-existing users may be available within Windows, itself. Click "Finish" on the "Thank you" screen. It will take a minute or two for Windows XP to finish loading Windows with the information you just provided.

   Tips and Warning!!!!



   If your computer does not give you the option to boot from CD, you must change the boot order in the BIOS. Entering BIOS requires you to press a particular key immediately when the computer starts. The key varies from BIOS to BIOS, but is usually "F1," "F2" or "Del."














  Run Windows Update immediately after completing your Windows XP repair. Windows Update will download and install security patches that were overwritten during the repair process. The longer you go without running Windows Update, the more likely it is you'll get a virus or work due to an unpatched security hole.