Issue DetailsWhen your System gets to the point where it is buggy, and programs are not responding correctly, it is at that time that you will want to do a complete backup and reinstall of your operating System.
Failure to perform this operation can result in data loss, as well as loss of hardware, such as your hard drive.
Recreate IssueWhen you use your computer every day, files and folders can become fragmented.
Using the disk defragmenter is always a good idea, at least once a week.
However, there are times when the System starts to act up, and is slow to load, and programs become unmanageable. At this time, you will want to back up your data and reinstall your operating System.
Resolve IssueSince I am still working with Windows XP, I have decided to write this installation guide.
I will provide in-depth instructions on backing up and reinstalling your Windows XP Home or Pro system.
[Step #1. (Backup of Data)]Set your computer to show Hidden Files and Folders.
- Open [My Computer]
- From the Menu
Click [Tools] - [Folder Options]
- Click on the [View] Tab
- Put a check beside [Show hidden files and folders]
- Click [Apply] then [OK]
Next, go to the following location
C:\Documents and Settings\<USERNAME>
Back up the following folders.
- Desktop
- Favorites
- My Documents
For [Outlook Express] users
\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{a really long number here}\Microsoft\Outlook Express
Back up the \Outlook Express\ folder.
For the Address Book
Application Data\Microsoft\Address Book
Back up the \Address Book\ folder.
If you use Google Chrome, then you will want to back it up as well.
(Update: June 21, 2026. Chrome is backed up to the cloud and to your computer. So, you have a backup on the cloud)
Local Settings\Application Data\Google
Back up the entire \Google\ folder.
There are other programs you may use, such as Microsoft Outlook.
You will have to do a search to find out what needs to be backed up in those programs.
To get a full list of all programs installed on your computer.
Download and install the following program
Belarc Advisory (FREE)«-----
[Step #2: Set BIOS to boot from CD-ROM as the First Boot Device.]When doing a clean install, you will need to have your Windows XP CD and CD Key.
Boot the computer from the CD
If BIOS is not set to boot from CD, you will have to go into BIOS and change it.
The BIOS type depends on which key on the keyboard you press to enter the BIOS.
Normally, it is either
F2 or F12
Please check your BIOS type; a quick Google search will give you the information you need.
Once in BIOS, click the Boot Option tab and select CD as the First Boot Option.
[Step #3: Installing Windows]Once you have the computer set to boot from CD-ROM, do so.
The first thing you will see is the [loading of Drivers],
This may take a little while, depending on the Speed of your CD-ROM drive.
- [Next] Accept the License Agreement [Click F8]
- [Next] Choose to do a new install ([Press the ESC key])
[
Next]
You are faced with the installed Hard Drives.
Your C:\ drive is what we are looking at here.
(This information is on whether you have multiple partitions on your System)
Choose C:\ drive, click on [D] for Delete
[Confirm]
Then click on the drive again, and choose [C] for Create.
Leave it default; however, if you have a drive larger than 60GB, you can split it into more than one partition.
Windows XP OS only needs around 20-30 GB. 45 GB is best to allow for all the software you may install. So, if you have a drive larger than 60 GB, I would use 50 GB C and the rest on other drives.
Having a Large C:\ drive is not always a good thing.
After you have confirmed the Creation of the drive partition.
Click on C:\ Drive, and click [Next]
Choose [Quick NTFS Format]
Once you have chosen this option, it will format your disk and then load drivers.
This operation will take a little while, so please be patient.
Your computer will reboot itself.
Go back into the BIOS during the Reboot, change the Boot Option to Hard Drive, not the CD-ROM drive, since it is no longer needed.
Once the System reboots, the installation will continue. Never remove the CD-ROM drive, as it is needed to complete the installation of your OS.
You will now see a Graphical User Interface that is more familiar to you.
- [Language Settings] - Set your Language Settings
- [Product Key] - Enter your Product Key from your CD or the side of your computer case.
- [Network Setting] - Customize your Network settings and select your network card. Then click OK.
If you choose not to customize, you will need to install drivers after completing the installation. Doing the custom networking settings here will automatically pick up on your network adapter.
Once the above 3 are completed, sit back and relax for a while while Windows installs your Windows XP System.
[Step #4: Completed and Desktop]Once the installation is complete, you will be faced with an empty desktop.
At this time, you will want to perform the following, depending on your Specification of customizing your desktop look and feel.
[Screen Resolution]If your Graphics Card was not detected, install it, as well as any other computer hardware that is not already installed.
Then set your Graphic Screen Resolution.
- Right-click on Desktop
- Choose [Properties]
- Click on [Settings]
- Set your screen resolution here.
Click [Apply] then [OK]
Right-click on the taskbar.
- Choose [Properties]
- Select your Taskbar options.
- Click on the [Start Menu] tab.
For the Classic Start Menu, choose it; otherwise
Leave default (This will be the larger Menu)
- Click on [Customize]
- Once the dialog opens.
(These are my preferences; you choose your own, or go by mine.
Choose the following:
[b][Small icons]] - Number of programs on start menu [0]
- ([Clear List])
Click on the [Advanced Tab]
Uncheck the top 2 options and the bottom option.
[
Next][
Start Menu items]:
- [Control Panel] = Display as menu
- [My Computer] = Display as menu
- [System Administrator Tools] = Display on all programs and the Start Menu.
Leave the rest default.
Now, the rest is up to you.
Install the programs that you need, and may I suggest the following?
If you have multiple partitions or drives in your System.
Instead of allowing the programs to install on the C:\ drive, install them on other partitions or drives.
Good Luck!
Carrzkiss