Repair Windows XP Installation

Repairing your Windows XP installation isn’t as straightforward as it has been in previous version of Windows. In the past, you could simply install Windows over top of it self to correct any problems with missing or corrupt files. With XP, you need to be careful or you could end up inadvertently wiping your current installation and losing all of your applications and data. When we “repair” Windows, you are installing Windows again with the intent of keeping all of our data and programs intact.

Warning: As with any major procedure, you risk losing data. Be sure to backup any important data before you proceed with the Windows XP repair.

To repair Windows XP you’ll need a genuine Windows XP CD. Because you are essentially reinstalling Windows when you repair it, you’ll need the key code on the back of the XP CD case, so have it handy. The recovery disks for major brands like HP and Dell will not be good enough unless they have actually given you a Windows disk, which isn’t likely.

Insert the CD in the drive and reboot the PC. You will see text flash on the screen that says “Boot to CD press any key.” There will be a brief delay until Windows loads. Then you will see a screen that offers you the following options:

1. To setup Windows XP now, press Enter.
2. To repair a Windows XP installation using the recovery console, press R.
3. To quit setup without installing Windows XP, press F3.

Option 2 seems like the obvious choice, but we actually want to press Enter to setup Windows. You will then be asked to accept the license agreement. Once you do that, you’ll need to select the XP installation you want to repair and then press R.

Allow XP to copy the necessary files and then reboot. You will again be asked to press any key to boot to the CD. This time do not press anything. Windows will boot to the installation screen on its own and proceed with the installation of Windows. Once done, you will need to run through the final stages of setup by inputting your Windows registration key. Then you’re finished with the repair.

Take the CD out and reboot the PC. You should find that your data and programs are still intact, but Windows has installed over itself and repaired damaged or missing files.