In the current computing environment of worms, viruses, and spyware, most students face a necessary Windows reinstall at least once in their academic years. Malware will often require a complete operating system wipe to clean. Rarer instances of critical Windows files spontaneously corrupting can also require a reinstall. Reinstalls can even be used as a spring cleaning method for cleaning out junk on the computer, speeding it up in the process. This website has been designed by UNet for members of the Brandeis community as a step-by-step guide on how to reinstall the Windows XP operating system.

Here are a few items that you will need before you begin:

• 2-3 hours free (depends on hardware mostly)
• Windows XP CD that came with your computer
• Driver CD/DVD (you may choose to download the latest drivers form your manufacturer's website)
• A Genuine Windows Product Key (usually found on the bottom of laptops, or on a side of desktop towers)
• Installation CD's/DVD's of software (such as Microsoft Office)
• Backup of all data that you wish to retain (Documents, Pictures, Media)

WARNING:  ALL DATA WILL BE IRREVOCABLY LOST UNLESS PROPERLY BACKED UP OUTSIDE OF THE COMPUTER BEING FORMATTED. METHODS INCLUDE BURNING TO CD/DVD, COPYING TO EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE, COPYING TO IPOD.



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