Reinstall Windows XP Without the CD

Sometimes manufacturers do not include the Windows XP Operating System CD when you first buy your new computer. This how-to will explain how to reinstall the Windows XP operating system (with similar rules applying to its predecessors) without the need of the Windows XP CD.

Steps

  1. Understand that after a while your computer will start to slow down, freeze and have difficulty shutting down correctly. These symptoms are perfectly normal for Microsoft Windows operating systems that should get a clean, fresh start. But sometimes manufacturers do not include a copy of the operating system on a disk. In order to save you money, when purchasing your computer and ultimately saving them money too.
  2. Access the copy of the operating system on the hard drive. If manufacturers do not supply a Windows XP CD with the purchase of your new computer, they have most definitely stored a copy in your hard drive for later use. You can easily access this copy of the CD on your hard drive to completely reinstall or format partitions on your computer.
  3. Back up your personal data including photos, pictures, documents, favorites, passwords and settings to CD/DVD/USB.
  4. Make sure you have your Windows product key/serial number. This could be located on the computer itself, or in the original packaging it was supplied with. If you do not have one, look in the registry or contact your manufacturer immediately for more support regarding the issue.
  5. Click on My Computer then C: WINDOWS then i386(Sometimes C:\i386). This is the part where a lot of people get confused. They realise that a copy of their Windows XP CD is here, but they look for the wrong files. Most people will try to find a file named "Setup", "Install", or "Windows". The file you are looking for is called "winnt32.exe".
  6. Open this application and proceed with the instructions given. It will lead you through 5 simple phases that will wipe out your computer and reinstall the operating system.
  7. Get your product key ready to enter it. Make sure you agree with the terms that should be provided when using the winnt32.exe application.
  8. If you are using any operating system below Windows 2000 or Me, try looking for the winnt.exe application as the winnt32.exe application may not be available for your version of the Windows OS in the I386 folder. Winnt.exe uses a command driven interface, and therefore requires simple commands to use to reinstall Windows or format partitions. You can find these simple commands here



Tips

  • Make sure you close any unnecessary software and applications that run in the system tray like Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo! Instant messenger and others, before using winnt32. This should speed up the whole process.
  • Make sure you have backed up all of your files before you clean out your computer.
  • For some of the lower versions (operating systems) of the Windows franchise, you may wish to use the winnt.exe application instead which will use the Command Prompt application and require certain commands to operate. The Winnt32.exe application may not be available for those who use any OS below Windows 2000/Me.
  • Make sure you have all the required softwares on CD to reinstall the drivers that will be wiped out.

Warnings

  • Do not forget to back up all of your data with a system restore tool, or else everything will be lost. This means all software and programs currently installed on the computer.
  • You can download the drivers using the Windows Update service, but you will need the wireless/network driver to be able to connect to the internet first!
  • Remember Microsoft will not take any responsibility for anything that may go wrong and cause damage to your computer system.
  • If the I386 folder or "Winnt32.exe/Winnt.exe" application does not exist, or you cannot find it, use the Search feature to help you (Start>Search). If it does not yield any results, a copy of the CD may not have been stored on your hard drive. Contact your manufacturer for more support.
  • All drivers will be wiped clean. That includes graphic cards, audio drivers, wireless drivers, etc. Make sure your manufacturers has supplied you with the correct software to re-install the drivers that will be lost on re-installation of the OS.

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