Uninstall Windows XP and Revert to a Previous Operating System

This article describes how to remove Microsoft Windows XP after an upgrade was completed successfully by using a qualifying upgrade path, including the successful creation of the Windows XP removal files (such as Backup.cab and Boot.cab) during the initial upgrade.

Steps

  1. Restart your computer in Safe mode. To do this, press the F8 key while Windows is starting.
  2. Log on with an account that has administrative credentials.
  3. Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click Add or Remove Programs.
  4. In the list of installed programs, double-click Uninstall Windows XP.
  5. When you receive the following message, click Yes to start the Windows XP removal: "Are you sure you want to uninstall Windows XP and restore your previous operating system?"
  6. After Windows XP is removed, your computer restarts to the previously-installed operating system.

Tips

  • To remove Windows XP, you must have upgraded from Microsoft Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, or Windows Millennium Edition.
  • If the Windows XP removal files have been removed from the computer, you cannot use the removal that this article describes.
  • If sufficient space is available, the Windows XP removal files are automatically saved during the upgrade.
  • Any programs that were installed before the Windows XP upgrade will be preserved. Additionally, any programs that were installed after the Windows XP upgrade will not be available after you remove Windows XP. You may have to reinstall these programs.
  • Note If you upgraded from Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Windows 2000, or Windows NT 4.0, you cannot remove Windows XP.

Warnings

  • If you want to remove Windows XP and return to Microsoft Windows 95, Windows NT, or Windows 2000, you must reinstall Windows 95, Windows NT, or Windows 2000, restart your computer in Safe mode, and then back up all your critical data before you reinstall Windows 95, Windows NT, or Windows 2000.
  • Applies to: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional Edition
  • If Uninstall Windows XP is not in the list of installed programs, you must manually reinstall Windows 98 or Windows Millennium Edition. In this case, make sure that you back up all your critical data before you reinstall Windows 98 or Windows Millennium Edition.

References

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