Windows XP - The Built In Repair Feature

Windows XP has quickly become one of the most popular computer operating systems on the planet! But there are as many errors and problems that can occur in Windows XP as there are stars in heaven...

This article’s main purpose is to show you how to effectively Repair Windows XP from its errors! Probably one of the best, and newest, features of Windows XP is the built in repair feature!

In previous versions of Windows (Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000), repairing an operating system error usually meant formatting and reinstalling the whole operating system, resulting in loss of all of your precious data. The Windows XP repair feature won't delete your data, already installed programs, personal information or Windows settings. It just repairs the operating system.

Just a note to remember those who want to use this repair tool, the system repair function will remove any updates you have installed that are not included on the CD. Any windows drivers will also be reverted to their original XP versions, as well as some settings (network & performance settings may sometimes be reset to their defaults). Also, it may be necessary to reactivate your Windows XP again. When finished, you will have to download all of the updates from Microsoft Windows Update, because they are all replaced during repair.

Why would somebody ever want to reinstall Windows XP?
Below are just a few reasons:

1. Windows XP won’t start even in safe mode.

2. There are serious problems caused by a recently installed update (Windows Updates, hotfix, Windows XP service pack, or Internet Explorer updates).

3. The problems can't be solved with system restore, or system restore can’t even be accessed.

4. Some major hardware changes had been made (installed a new motherboard, a new CPU etc) and it’s absolutely necessary to reinstall Windows.

However, if you are just trying to resolve Windows XP errors and problems, and want to save some major time and effort...repair Windows XP Installation:

1: Be certain there are no known hardware problems. Windows Repair will ONLY fix software problems. Hardware issues can also cause boot problems (i.e. bad hard drive, memory, CPU, or power supply).

2: Be sure to backup your data. It's always the best to backup your data before making changes to Windows XP. Doing so, your important data will be secure when the Windows XP repair is completed.

3: Boot you computer from your Windows XP CD. Insert the Windows XP CD into your computer's CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, and then restart your computer. When the "Press any key to boot from CD" message appears on the screen, press any key to start your computer from the Windows XP CD.

4: A blue screen will appear and begin loading Windows XP Setup files from the CD.
(You will be prompted to "press F6 to install any third party SCSI or RAID drivers". Most users will not have to press F6, but if you are running RAID, SCSI or unsupported UDMA controllers, then you will have to have your controller drivers on a floppy disk. If you are unsure whether you have RAID/SCSI, then simply let the CD load without pressing F6).

When loading files is completed, you will see a "Windows Setup" screen, and your first option. Select "To set up Windows XP now, press ENTER". DO NOT select Recovery Console. When presented with the End User License agreement screen press the F8 key to continue.

After that, Windows Setup will find existing Windows XP installations. You will be asked to repair an existing XP installation, or install a fresh copy of Windows XP. If no installations are found, then you will not be given the option to repair. This may happen also if the data or partition on your drive is too corrupted. If you install a fresh copy, all data on that partition will be lost!

You are almost done! Windows XP will look like it is installing itself for the first time, but it will keep and remember all of your data and settings. Just follow the prompts, and have your CD-KEY ready if needed.

WARNING: If you are connected to internet during the setup, be aware that your system is vulnerable and certain viruses and worms can affect it seriously within seconds. Do not go on line until you have enabled XP's firewall first. And don't forget to run Windows Update!