Instructions for Reinstalling Windows® XP with pictures & screenshots
First, if you plan on rebuilding your computer, then
ALL DATA MUST BE BACKED UP!!!

Copies of all your Data files MUST be made FIRST!
If you need assistance backing up your data files, LIComputerfix can help.
If files are not backed up prior to a rebuild, then your data can be lost forever. Data files like, pictures, financial records, music, email, address books, favorites, etc, all needs to be saved onto some form of removable disk. You can save your computers data onto; external hard drives, CD's, DVD's, jump drives, flash cards, network locations, floppy disks, or even by emailing it someplace where it can be later retrieved. When you data is completely backed up, only then is it safe to rebuild and reformat your computer.
LIComputerfix reminds everyone to always backup data whenever and as much as possible...

1. Power on the computer. Press the Pause/Break key as soon as you see text on the screen.
[If you currently are running in an OS of any flavor, insert XP CD and restart computer. Skip to #3 if system is configured to boot from CD.]


2. Insert XP CD into CD drive. Press ENTER to resume booting from the XP CD. (BIOS must support booting from CD and boot order must be set so CD boots before hard drive. If computer does not support booting from CD go to 2a for floppy install).

3. Look for message "booting from CD" usually located at the bottom of the screen. If you have a factory splash screen, press ESC to unload it.

4. Press any Key when you see the prompt to 'Press Any Key"

5. Setup will start copying files, if you need to install any third-party or RAID drivers press F6 at this time. the copying of files can take awhile.

6. Next you will get the option to repair or enter setup, choose to enter setup. Press ENTER.
To see images full size, place mouse cursor over image and click/double click or press the left button and open.



7. Press F8 if you agree to the license.

8. Setup will scan for previous Windows installations

9. If you are using the upgrade version of XP on a computer without any version of Windows currently installed, this is where you will replace the XP CD with your qualifying CD, XP setup will scan the qualifying CD and instruct you to replace it with the XP CD to continue XP setup; otherwise, you will not see this screen. Clean install qualifying media can be any of the following Win NT3.51, 4.0, 2000, Win 95, 98, Me and XP Home when upgrading to XP Pro.


10. Choose the location to install.
10a If this is a clean hard drive, you can choose to create a partition in the un-partitioned space. At this point, you can allow Setup to use all the space or set a size for the partition.



10b If the hard drive or partition has a previous installation of XP you want to remove, choose to delete the partition by pressing "D". You will then be prompted to create a new partition in the empty space. This will remove all data from the deleted space.
If setup returns a message the partition contains the setup files and cannot be deleted use the info from this link: Delete NON-DOS Partition


10c If you intend to use multiple partitions, or dual boot, this is where you specify the size of the boot partition and or setup location for XP. If you are planning to dual boot XP, I would create a small 100 meg DOS partition for the first primary partition, then an 8 to 10 gig partition for XP. You can partition and format the remaining space after XP is setup from Disk Manager. If you do not intend to dual boot, you can either use all the un-partitioned space, or create an 8 to 10 gig partition for XP and leave the rest free to partition later.

If a fat32 partition larger than 32 gigabyte is desired, the hard drive or partition will need to be created before running XP setup. XP will not create a fat 32 partition larger than 32 gig, but will support one previously created.


11. Choose the file system from this screen. If dual booting and you created the small 100 meg partition, make it a fat partition. NTFS is configured at the optimal file size during the initial setup. See this link for more on NTFS
If you have more that one partition or hard drive on your system, make sure you are formatting the correct partition/drive.



12. This is where you reinsert the XP Pro Upgrade CD if necessary.

13. Press Enter to continue.


14. Setup will show a progress box and reboot when copying files is complete.


15. When you see the "Press any Key to Reboot" do not Press any Key. If CD boots anyway, remove CD and reboot.

16. From this point, you will follow the on screen prompts. If you live outside the US, you will probably need to modify the default settings.



17. Personalize your XP Enter your Name and Organization.


18. Enter the Product Key. The Key is located on the back of the CD folder in the Retail versions, and on a holographic label with the OEM versions purchased with a piece of hardware.

19. Write this key down and secure it in a safe place in case the original is misplaced or destroyed through natural causes.
Power on the computer. Press the Pause/Break key as soon as you see text on the screen. [If you currently are running in an OS of any flavor, insert XP CD and restart computer. Skip to #3 if system is configured to boot from CD.]



20. Choose a name for the computer, this should be a unique name for the computer, especially if it is to be connected to a network. In Pro, you are given the option of creating a password or leaving it blank.


21. Set your Time Zone and Time and Date.


22. Setup will scan for network.

23. If detected you will have the choice to choose a typical configuration or custom.
Choose typical if you are unsure.



24. For home you will choose your workgroup, if a network is already established and you intend to connect to it, use the existing workgroup name, otherwise, I suggest using the default.

25. For Pro, the same goes for Pro as suggested for Home, but you will have the choice to join a Domain, if you do not have a Domain or do not know leave blank.

26. Setup will continue and reboot when completed ignore the "Press Any Key".

27. The XP loading window will now display after reboot.
Note: All XP SP2 versions now show the same XP loading screen. Windows XP is displayed for both Home and Professional.



28. You will see a change display settings, say yes, and accept the setting if you can see the screen after accepting.


29. You will see a welcome screen, press next and unfortunately you have to wait for the dialog to finish.

30. Set up your internet or network connection.

31. This is the Activate, Register screen. You must activate within 30 days of installing XP, but you do not ever have to register, Registration is completely optional and if you do not register, no personal information will be transmitted during activation. If you register, then activation will transmit that information along with the activation. The first Activation is usually done over the internet if the computer is connected to the internet, otherwise, it can be accomplished by copying the alphanumeric string from the activation screen and make a phone call to the phone number [Usually Toll Free] supplied on screen. The activation center will then give you a slightly longer number to input into for activation. I suggest you do not activate immediately in case you need to make hard ware changes, or install to a different system within the thirty days, and you will be reminded on boot up until you do.

Blaster worm warning: Enable the XP firewall before connecting to the internet. Do not immediately activate over the internet. You can activate after the firewall is enabled.

To enable the XP firewall: Control Panel - Network Connections. Right click the connection you use, Properties, and there is a check box on the Advanced page.


32. Setup users screen. Set at least one user for yourself or the person that will be using the computer.


33. Thank You


34. Logon to XP and apply Service Pack and Critical updates from Windows Update before installing any software or hardware.

35. Install your anti-virus software.

36. Install all applications and setup your email.

37. Restore from Files and Settings transfer after reinstalling all applications.

 

Reformat and Rebuild Service:
LIComputerfix, will Reformat & Reinstall Windows® on any computer on Long Island for only
$100 Dollars per Computer

Manhattan: $200 Dollars per computer

*Does not include the cost of any replacement parts or hardware

This repair is for reformatting and reinstalling you version of Windows© only. User data must be saved prior to service. We can assist you in backing up your files if you need help for an a addition $50 an hour with a one hour minimum.

Our Repair Service Includes:

  • Picking up your computer
  • Reformatting (Clean Install)
  • Reinstall Windows©
  • Install and confirm all appropriate drivers are installed on your PC
  • Run ALL system updates
  • Install any software that is provided by you
  • Return the computer back to you and hook it up

Onsite reinstallation of all other devices and personal software is available, but is also conducted at $50 dollars an hour with a 1 Hour minimum.

Recovery Partition Optional - If you like LIComputerfix will create a "Recovery Partition" on your hard drive. This will allow you to recover your system, and all your other programs, in one move using a single disk. If your computers operating system breaks down in the future, you will be able to clone back a clean version of your computer and not have to pay for future rebuilds. This is available for an addition $25 per computer

 

Emergency Onsite Repair Service:
Emergency onsite repair service can also be provided for practically any computer crisis.

If your problem exists at your home or office, then we will come to you and be able to repair almost every computer issue that you can have. Onsite Service $75 an hour (1 hour minimum) We will work at your location to restore lost files, recover systems, and basically reconfigure and repair your home and office equipment so everything works properly. After all repairs are done we are fully trained in implementing backup programs so you and your company are not as much at risk. We like to know our clients can sleep at night knowing their files are safe.

Manhattan is $150 an Hour with a two hour minimum.

 

Computer Upgrade Service:
Onsite Service $75 an hour (1 hour minimum)
When using our Basic Repair Service, it is an opportune time to replace or upgrade existing hardware within your computer. LIComputerfix does not charge a service fee for an internal upgrade on your computer, if you are using our Basic Rebuild Service, so feel free to replace any of your parts during your system restoration. Cost of hardware will also apply, but our upgrade installation service is FREE when you use our rebuild service. Manhattan is $150 an Hour with a two hour minimum.

 

Loaner PC Service:
For an additional $25 dollars, and you are using our Basic Repair Service, we will set you up with a temporary computer so you can remain online, until your repair is done. From the moment your repair service begins you are back online with of of our computers until yours is fixed.

Do you have a dead hard drive in which you need the data off of? LIComputerfix are now partners with DRIVESAVERS LABS. Drivesavers Labrotories will usually be able to retrieve your lost data and files, off of any dead hard drive regardless of its condition.

Use LIComputerfix's Reseller ID which is: DS-17656to receive a 10% Discount on any job and FREE Mounting!

If you tell DriveSavers that you are a LICOMPUTERFIX CUSTOMER, and give them our reseller ID, then they will waive the mounting fee.Free Mounting Means: If there is nothing retrieved there is NO CHARGE! Most recovery centers will charge anywhere from $200 to $1000 Dollars, just for mounting, even if the data is not recovered. So you will have nothing to lose if there is nothing recovered.


CALL TODAY!


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www.licomputerfix.com Long Island NY based Computer Repair Company that services both Nassau and Suffolk Counties other Metropolitan areas of New York 2007