XP Repair Install

There are times when Windows XP becomes so corrupted it won't run correctly or won’t start at all and it seems that the only solution is to format and reinstall losing all data and programs. But doing so isn’t always necessary as there is a way to perform a repair install without losing any data. One of the best kept secrets of Windows XP is it's built in repair feature and I have written a step by step manual making it possible for anyone to repair their installation.

In previous versions of Windows, correcting an operating system error usually meant formatting and reinstalling, resulting in loss of all your data. Windows XP repair feature won't delete your data, installed programs, personal information, or settings. It just repairs the operating system.

The system repair function will remove any updates you have previously installed that are not included on the CD. When finished, you may have to download all of the updates from Microsoft Windows Update, because they are all replaced during repair. It may be necessary to reactivate your Windows XP as well.

Why would I want to reinstall Windows XP?
1. You can't start Windows XP in safe mode or start it at all.
2. You have problems caused by a recently installed system update (Windows Update, hot fix, Windows XP service pack, or Microsoft Internet Explorer update).
3. Your problems can't be solved with system restore, or you can't access system restore.
4. You have a Virus or Trojan that has infected critical Windows files.

Download this article as a compiled Help file with installer

Getting Ready - Before you start make sure you have your original Windows XP install Disc and your Product Key. Your Product Key can be found on your CD case or computer case.

Boot to Disc - Insert your original XP install disc in the CD-ROM drive and restart your computer. If you do not see this message then you need to change your BIOS to boot to CD-ROM first. See below for two BIOS examples.

BIOS EXAMPLES

When you first start your computer you'll see the message "Press Del to enter setup."  Once in your BIOS setup you need to set your BIOS to always Boot to CD-ROM first.

Setup will first inspect your system to make sure it has the minimum requirements for Windows XP.

It will copy enough files to begin setup.

After the minimum files are copied Windows setup will begin.

Select the first option "To set up Windows XP now, press Enter".

 DO NOT select the second option - "To repair a Windows XP installation using the Recovery Console"

Press F8 to accept the License Agreement

Setup will show your existing Windows installation.  Select the first option by pressing R to repair Windows.  If you have multiple partitions or drives listed select the one with the Windows installation you want to repair.

 Important - If you do not see the option "To repair the selected Windows XP installation, press R" and your Windows installation is not listed Stop now and press F3 to quit.  Some OEM discs do not have the ability to repair an installation. 

Do Not select the second option or you will lose access to your files, users and will basically have a duplicate installation of XP that will never run correctly.

Setup will examine your hard drive for errors.

Setup will delete all your existing Windows files without deleting your personal files.

Setup will examine your existing files and folders.

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Download this article as a compiled Help file with installer