A few things you have to determine before statring:
1) computer is major brand or white box
if major brand, most likely you'll have a "Restore CD/DVD",
or if it's anewer computer you'll have a hidden partition with restore
image
which can be invoke usually by pressing F11 or F12.
Both of restoration processes should provide you with 2 option -
format drive and install from the scratch or backup your existing files.
Some of white box provider also created CD/DVD and should include it in
the package you've bought, if not they at least have to provide you with
XP installation disk.
2) What kind of problem you've have that you need to reinstall OS?
Viral infection usually can be cure by installing an antivirus, update
it and run boot scan -
I have good results from Avast.
Data corruption also requred an understanding of how severe is it - if
it's only software you
can fix it by trying to restore and if it's not enough reinstalling OS.
However, if your hard drive is damaged - check by running Scandisk ->
Right click on Local Disk -> Properties -> Tools -> Check Disk Local
Disk ->
Scan for and attmpt recovery of bad sectors - then you need to replace
hard drive and only after that install OS.
If your hard drive is OK and you decided to install new XP - when you
installing OS, you're prompted to install system to existing
partition/folder, you should choose a new folder, say Winnew instead of
Windows, it's called parallel install it will install a second OS and
will preserve all your data.
Before you satrt this process I would advise you to collect all hardware
drivers, antivirus and antispyware software, as well as firewall, custom
software and all relevant service packs.
Only after you upgraded your OS to correponding service pack and install
firewall,antivirus and antispyware software you should connect to Internet,
HTH - Hope This Help
"Hold No Punches.." Rode brings you great shareware/freeware
programs with his honest opinions in this weekly column.
http://freepctech.com/rode
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