How to delete all files from a Windows XP computer

In this article, you will learn how to delete custom files, folders, and programs on a Windows XP-based computer by using the installation CD and formatting the hard drive. To use the methods described here, find your Windows XP installation disc.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Boot from CD

Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 1

Step 1. Back up the files you need

Once you delete files from your computer, it is nearly impossible to recover them. Therefore, copy the files to a USB stick or external hard drive.

You can also use a CD-RW disc to write files to it, but the capacity of such discs is much smaller than the capacity of a USB stick or hard drive

Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 2

Step 2. Insert the Windows XP installation disc into the optical drive of your computer

If you don't have a Windows XP installation disc, buy (find) it.
You can also download the Windows XP installation file and burn it to a CD, but in this case, do not forget the product key.

Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 3

Step 3. Restart your computer

Click Start> Turn Off Computer> Restart.

Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 4

Step 4. Hold down the Del key or F2 to open BIOS settings.

Perhaps you need to hold down another key; in most cases, the corresponding key is displayed on the screen when the computer starts up in the "Press [key] to enter setup" line.

Also, the correct key can be found on the manufacturer's website or in the instructions for the motherboard or computer

Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 5

Step 5. Click the Boot tab

Do this with the arrow keys.

The Boot tab may be named Boot Options

Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 6

Step 6. Select the CD-ROM Drive option

Press ↓ until this option is highlighted with a frame.

Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 7

Step 7. Make the optical drive the primary boot device

To do this, press + until the "CD-ROM Drive" option moves to the top of the list.

You may need to press another key. To find the correct key, look for the key assignments listed at the bottom of the screen

Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 8

Step 8. Save your changes

To do this, press the appropriate key, for example, F10. Find the “Save and Exit” line at the bottom of the screen to find out the correct key. The computer will restart and then boot from the CD.

You may need to press ↵ Enter to confirm saving your changes

Part 2 of 2: Formatting the hard drive

Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 9

Step 1. Press ↵ Enter at the Welcome to Installation screen

The installation process will start.

Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 10

Step 2. Press F8 to accept the Windows agreement

If you are prompted to press another key, do so.

Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 11

Step 3. Press Esc when prompted

This will bypass the Restore window.

Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 12

Step 4. Select the Windows partition

Look for the line "Section 2 (Windows)" (or similar). Press the ↓ key until that line is highlighted.

Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 13

Step 5. Press Dand then press L.

This will delete the partition that contains the operating system and associated files.

Hints are displayed at the bottom of the screen. Use them if needed

Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 14

Step 6. Allocate unallocated space (if necessary)

Unallocated space is created in place of the deleted partition.

Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 15

Step 7. Press Cand then press ↵ Enter.

A new empty partition will be created in place of the unallocated space.

Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 16

Step 8. Highlight the new partition and press ↵ Enter

This will select the new partition as the partition for the Windows XP installation.

Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 17

Step 9. Select NTFS as the file system

Use the arrow keys to select the "Format the partition with NTFS (Fast)" option, and then press ↵ Enter.

Clear All Files from a Computer Running Windows XP Step 18

Step 10. Wait for the hard drive formatting process to be completed

This can take several hours. When the process is complete, follow the instructions on the screen to install Windows XP. Be aware that all files, programs and any other items installed by the user will be removed.