There are different types of installations that can be performed depending on what you want to achieve and on the existing configuration of your computer. If you do not want to lose any of your customized settings, then you probably won’t want to perform a clean installation of Windows. On the other hand, if you want to return your computer to its original pristine condition, you should opt for a clean install of Windows. The different types of Windows installations include:

• Recovery

• Re-installation
• Clean installation

The following article will briefly outline each of these installation types and then look more closely at performing a clean installation of Windows XP.

Recovery
Performing a recovery involves repairing an existing installation of Windows. A repair installation can be used to repair damaged and corrupt settings and files while leaving all your data and programs intact.

The advantage to performing a repair is that you do not need to re-install any applications, restore any data, or reconfigure any of your settings. The downside of this type of installation is that it does not clean up your system at all. In other words, it does not remove any clutter that has accumulated on your computer.

The basic steps for performing a repair are as follows:

1. Boot your computer using the Windows XP CD.

2. When prompted press Enter to install Windows XP.
3. After pressing F8 to accept the End-Use License Agreement, setup should detect your existing Windows installation.
4. Press R to begin the recovery process.
5. Setup will copy the necessary files to your hard drive and then reboot.
6. Do not press any key to boot from the CD-ROM this time. Instead let setup continue.

After the repair is complete, be sure to reinstall the latest service packs and updates since they will have been removed during the repair process.

Re-installation
If your system is currently running Windows, you can perform a re-install of the OS. In other words, you can install Windows over itself. This is often referred to as an in-place upgrade.

When you perform this type of installation, Windows XP is reinstalled to the same folder. Typically you would perform this type of installation if you were unable to boot into Safe Mode or if you were unable to repair an existing Windows installation.

To reinstall Windows XP by using Windows XP, follow these steps:

1. Start your computer and log on.

2. Insert the Windows XP CD into your CD-ROM drive.
3. On the Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP page, click Install Windows XP.
4. On the Welcome to Windows Setup page, click Upgrade (Recommended) in the Installation Type box (if it is not already selected), and then click Next.
5. On the License Agreement page, click I accept this agreement, and then click Next.
6. On the Your Product Key page, type the 25-character product key in the Product key boxes, and then click Next.
7. On the Get Updated Setup Files page, select the option that you want, and then click Next.
8. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to reinstall Windows XP.

Once the re-install is complete you will once again have to install the latest service pack and any other updates that your system requires.

Clean Installation
Another type of installation that you can perform is referred to as a clean install. When you perform a clean install you are basically starting over right from scratch. All data and programs are erased and your hard disk is formatted.

The advantages to performing a clean install are that it cleans up your computer by getting rid of all the old files and programs that you no longer use and gets rid of problems you may have been experiencing under the old setup. In other words, your computer is returned to pristine condition as if it had never run an OS before. Generally, performing a clean install results in a more reliable computer.

Aside from the amount of time that it takes, one of the downsides to this installation type is that you have to reinstall applications and restore any data that you backed up. The next installment of this article will look more closely at performing a clean installation of Windows XP.