How to perform a repair installation of Windows XP

Performing a repair installation of Windows XP can fix many serious startup problems. While you should not lose any of your important documents, you might lose settings, and you will need to reinstall many updates.
Before performing a repair installation of Windows XP, you should have both your Windows XP CD and your product key available.
To perform a repair installation of Windows XP

1.	Insert your Windows XP CD into your computer.
2.	Restart your computer. If prompted, press a key to start from the CD-ROM.
3.	When the Welcome to Setup page appears, press ENTER on your keyboard.
4.	On the Windows XP Licensing Agreement page, read the licensing agreement. Press the PAGE DOWN key to scroll to the bottom of the agreement. Then, press F8.
5.	When prompted, press R to have Windows XP attempt to repair Windows by reinstalling important Windows components.

The repair and reinstallation process might take more than an hour. Eventually, Setup prompts you to answer questions just as if you were installing Windows XP for the first time. For detailed instructions, read Install Windows XP.