Repair Install

In Category: Windows XP

If XP is corrupted to the point where none of the previous solutions get it to boot, you can do a Repair Install that might work as well as keep the current settings. Make sure you have your valid WindowsXP key. The whole process takes about half an hour depending on your computer If you are being prompted for the administrator\'s password, you need to choose the 2nd repair option, not the first. 1. Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD 2. At the second R=Repair option, press the R key 3. This will start the repair 4. Press F8 for I Agree at the Licensing Agreement 5. Press R when the directory where WindowsXP is installed is shown. Typically this is C:\\WINDOWS 6. It will then check the C: drive and start copying files 7. It will automatically reboot when needed. Keep the CD in the drive. 8. You will then see the graphic part of the repair that is like during a normal install of XP (Collecting Information, Dynamic Update, Preparing Installation, Installing Windows, Finalizing Installation) 9. When prompted, click on the Next button 10. When prompted, enter your XP key 11. Normally you will want to keep the same Workgroup or Domain name 12. The computer will reboot 13. Then you will have the same screens as a normal XP Install 14. Activate if you want (usually a good idea) 15. Register if you want (but not necessary) 16. Finish 17. At this point you should be able to log in with any existing accounts.