Full System Restore (Delete Partitions) Using System Recovery CD/DVD

Note: This option may not be present on all revisions of the CD.

This option completely erases the hard disk and all partitions and then reinstalls Operating System files. It only creates a single C: partition and does not recreate the recovery partition. Use this option if the hard drive is blank or all other options fail to restore the machine to a satisfactory condition. A Drivers and Applications CD is required to reinstall all drivers and programs that came with the computer.

Note: All your personal data files and applications will be lost. Be sure that you have your data files backed up before performing this option.

Note: Due to the large number of virus and Spyware threats on the Internet, it is recommended that you disconnect all Internet connections before reinstalling Windows. After the Windows installation, antivirus and firewall software can be installed and then the Internet connection can be re-enabled to update the antivirus definitions and perform Windows Updates.

  1. Place the System Recovery CD/DVD into the optical drive.

  2. Turn off the computer, using the normal Windows shut down process.

  3. After the computer is turned off, disconnect all USB devices except the keyboard and mouse. This includes USB devices such as a printer, scanner, removable storage, or camera.

  4. Turn on the computer. To start recovery, at the prompt press the R key.
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    Note: Do not press F11, or the computer will start to the hard drive System Recovery.

  5. To format the drive and perform a full system recovery, press the F key.
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    Note: The text displayed indicates that the recovery partition is created however, no recovery partition is created during this process.

  6. To format the drive and install a new operating system, press the Y key.
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  7. System Recovery launches and copies files from the CD.
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  8. In the System Restore dialog box, click Restart.
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  9. The computer restarts.

    Note: The following OOBE screens may vary slightly between models.

  10. In the Welcome to Microsoft Windows screen, click Next.
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  11. On the Select Your System Settings screen, click Next.
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  12. In the What time zone are you in? screen, select the appropriate time zone, and then click Next.
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  13. In the End User License Agreement screen, click Yes I accept for both EULAs, and then click Next.
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  14. In the Help protect your PC screen, click Help protect my PC by turning on Automatic Updates now, and then click Next.
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  15. In the What's your computer's name screen, type a name for the computer and a description, if desired, and then click Next.
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  16. In the What's your Administrator password? screen, type the appropriate information, and then click Next.
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  17. On the Who will use this computer? screen, type the appropriate information, and then click Next.
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  18. In the Thank you screen, click Finish.
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  19. Windows XP Installation is complete.

  20. Place the Drivers and Applications CD in the optical drive, and then select to install the drivers and programs that came with the computer.

  21. Any application that shipped on a separate CD can now be installed. It is recommended to update the antivirus definitions and perform Windows Updates.