Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings

Sometimes manufacturers do not include a Windows XP disc with a new computer. This guide explains how to reinstall the Windows XP (and earlier) operating system without the Windows XP CD.

Steps

1. 1 Understand that after a while your computer will start to slow down, freeze and there will be problems with turning it off. These symptoms are common in Microsoft Windows operating systems that need cleaning, reinstallation. But sometimes, manufacturers do not include a copy of the operating system on disk in the package. This is done in order to save you money and, ultimately, their money as well.
2. 2 Find a copy of the operating system on your hard drive. If the manufacturer did not include a Windows XP disc with the new computer, most likely they saved a copy of it on their hard drive. You can use a copy of the disk on your hard drive to completely reinstall or format your computer partitions.
3. 3 Back up your data including photos, drawings, documents, bookmarks, passwords and settings to CD / DVD / USB.
4. 4 Make sure you have a Windows license key. It can be listed on the computer or on its packaging. If you cannot find it, look in the documents for your computer or contact the manufacturer.
5. 5 Click My Computer, then C: WINDOWS "and select the folder" i386 "(Sometimes C: i386). This is the part where many get confused. They realize that the copy of the Windows XP disk is here, but they are looking for the wrong files. Most of them try to find files called" Setup " , "Install" or "Windows." The file you need is "winnt32.exe".
6. 6 Open this app and follow the instructions on the screen. Reinstallation consists of 5 simple steps, during which your data will be deleted and the system will be reinstalled.
7. 7 Prepare to enter your product license key. Agree to the terms of the winnt32.exe application.
8. 8 If you are using an operating system lower than Windows 2000 or Me, look for the winnt.exe application, as winnt32.exe may not be available in the I386 folder for your version of Windows OS. Winnt.exe has a command interface and simple commands are needed to format partitions or reinstall Windows. They can be found at the link

Tips

• For some older versions of the Windows operating system, you may need to use winnt.exe, which uses a command line with a set of specific commands. Winnt32.exe may not be available for Windows versions older than 2000 / Me.
• Make sure to back up all important files before reinstalling.
• Make sure you have the necessary software and drivers on removable media (CD / DVD / USB) for the reinstallation.
• Before using winnt32, close unnecessary programs that are running in the background (for example, Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo! Instant messenger, and others). This should speed up the process.
• If you cannot find the folder, download the software WinAccess "2.Developed by ZenCore Softworks, it scans your Windows folder for a Windows CD and then runs it on your hard drive. You can download the software for free from this site. This software also supports Windows Vista. This little program will be very useful if the manufacturer has saved the Windows CD in some other folder (in most cases, this is unlikely).

Warnings

• You can download drivers using Windows Update, but remember that a network driver must be installed to connect to the Internet!
• Be sure to back up all your data using System Restore, otherwise you will lose all of it. This includes all programs installed on the computer.
• Please be aware that Microsoft is not responsible for any damage caused to your computer.
• If the I386 folder or "Winnt32.exe / Winnt.exe" does not exist, use search to find them (Start> Search). If it was unsuccessful, a copy of the CD may not be stored on your hard drive. For more information, contact the manufacturer.
• All drivers will be removed. These are drivers for video cards, audio devices, wireless devices, and so on. Make sure you have all the drivers to reinstall after reinstalling the operating system.