There are many times when starting over with new installation of Windows XP is best course of action for getting PC to work appropriately again. If hard drive has crashed or having physical defect, installing new blank fixed disk and loading Windows XP on it is best way to obtain PC back in service. Loading Windows XP onto new hard drive is not hard, but it is vital to have right tools on hand.

Instructions

With the Restore CD

Step 1

Find restore CD that came with PC. If you have restore CD, it is easy and quicker to load Windows XP. If you do not have restore CD, contact company to order alternate.

Step 2

Put in restore CD in CD or DVD drive and reboot PC. PC will mechanically start from restore CD and starts restore procedure. Restore CD will mechanically detect new blank fixed disk and utilize it to install OS and linked software.

Step 3

See for prompts throughout restore procedure. You may be prompted to enter information like name of PC or license key for version of Windows XP. After restore process has been finished, PC will automatically restart.

Without the Restore CD

Step 1

Put in Windows XP CD and reboot PC. PC must mechanically start from CD. If PC does not boot from CD, reboot PC again and look for "Press Any Key to Boot from CD" prompt.

Step 2

Select new installation when prompted by Window XP CD. Install process will format new blank fixed disk and get ready it for installation.

Step 3

Enter Windows XP registration key when prompted during installation. Permit base OS installation to finish, then load any needed service packs. Be certain to go to Windows Update website to download any patches and updates you require.