How do I completely reset Operating system?

Question

Greetings,   I've always been fortunate from this great community forum in finding help with problems so I'm hoping that someone can help with the following:   I purchased a Dell Dimension several years ago for my daughter at college which she has used fine for quite some time.  Now that she has a laptop she has returned it to me so I'd like to use it as my home computer but it is filled with all sorts of files, folders, programs that I don't need (nor does she) so I'd like to completely clean it up; delete everything and start fresh but not sure what the steps are to do so.   Unfortunately, we no longer have the disks (or keys) that came with the system, but I do have a licensed copy of Windows XP Pro SP2 Upgrade which I could install; currently it has the original Windows XP home edition installed.   Can anyone direct me to step-by-step instructions to do so; I was hoping it wasn't too complicated as when I contacted the geek squad or other companies, they indicated it would cost $200 for them to do it so I'm hoping it's something with a little guidance I can do myself because again, I really don't need to save anything on the system currently.  I'd like to start from scratch.   Any advice, suggestions, directions would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you so much.

dave51_2fe887 · Answer

You can start here. http://www.djdenham.com/Install%20Procedures.htm   And then here. http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp

europa303 · Answer

If purchased after 7/16/2004 this will apply to you:   http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?journalid=6CE6F5AE896111DB935579E80FC7F26D&docid=DC47E7957E35BBC0E030A68F27280D16

AGBALA · Answer

Thanks.  Unfortunately, this system was purchased in 2003 so no such luck (darn).  I was able to find the Tag and Express Service code (but still no disks) so I'm wondering if I need to order the original disks or is there another alternative?   Daniel

europa303 · Answer

I doubt Dell will supply an XP reinstall disk at this point, but you could contact Customer Support and ask.  All the drivers are available on this forum in the lower left corner, but if you wipe the system you will also have to reinstall the programs (do you have the programs?) and then do all the XP updates and service packs. Sorry, not sure what else to tell you other than you may have to purchase an XP disk.  I don't believe your SP 2 upgrade disk can be used to install full Windows XP.

AGBALA · Answer

Thanks so much.  I did call Dell yesterday and they said they will send disc so I'll keep my fingers crossed (smile).   I appreciate your taking the time to follow-up.    All the best,   Daniel

europa303 · Answer

Thanks for the update and good luck

Windows General

How do I completely reset Operating system?

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