When youre absolutely sure that everything from your computer that you want to keep is backed up, proceed to the next step. Keep in mind that once you delete all of the information from this drive as well do in a future step, the action is not reversibleTip A Windows XP Repair Install is the better way to go if you want to keep your files and programs intact. Typically youll want to try to solve your problem that way prior to trying a clean install. Not using Windows XP See How to Clean Install Windows for specific instructions for your version of Windows. The steps and screen shots shown in these 3. Windows XP Professional but will also serve perfectly well as a guide to reinstalling Windows XP Home Edition.