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Can I burn the I386 folder to a CD and use that as an install CD?
The I386 folder usually contains a copy of the files used to install Windows in the first place. You can often use it to reinstall Windows. (Continue reading...)

Can I delete old versions of software?
Sometimes old software will not be removed from your machine. You can clean them up but there's always risk. We'll look at how to minimize that risk. (Continue reading...)

Can I install Windows XP using one manufacturer's CD on a different pc?
Installing Windows XP using one manufacturer's CD on a different manufacturer's PC might sometimes work but it's not guaranteed at all. (Continue reading...)

Can I remove the "ServicePackFiles" folder from my Windows folder?
ServicePackFiles contains the files updated by the Service Packs issues since your install. It can be deleted if you have the files elsewhere. (Continue reading...)

Can I switch from Windows Vista back to XP?
Windows Vista comes preinstalled on most new computers these days. You can typically revert to Windows XP if you like, but not without a little pain. (Continue reading...)

Do I need to have Windows XP SP1 installed before I install SP2?
There is no need to have Windows XP SP1 before you install SP2. (Continue reading...)

Does running Windows in a virtual machine protect me from viruses?
Virtual machines are powerful tools that used properly can provide a safe and secure sandbox - used improperly they're as vulnerable as anything else. (Continue reading...)

How can I find the XP installation CD key used on my system without having the CD?
There are freeware utilities that will find the installation CD key used on your system for you if you do not have the CD. (Continue reading...)

How can I get another activation code without paying for another CD?
If you lose your activation code you may get help from the product manufacturer if you can prove you have a legitimate copy. That may not be easy. (Continue reading...)

How do I 'legalize' my Windows XP Installation?
To 'legalize' your Windows XP Installation, simply install a legal copy over your old copy. (Continue reading...)

How do I UNinstall a program that's not in the add/remove list?
Any program of even moderate complexity should include an uninstaller. If one does not, uninstalling can range from trivial to downright scary. (Continue reading...)

How do I avoid re-installing all the Windows updates each time I reinstall Windows?
Windows is constantly being updated, and that means that after you've installed from CD there's a lot to download. We'll look at a few alternatives. (Continue reading...)

How do I block Windows XP Service Pack 3?
Windows XP Service Pack 3 is relatively stable for most people. If you have issues you may want to block Windows Update from installing SP3. (Continue reading...)

How do I check the version of XP Service Pack 2 installed on my PC?

How do I gain administrative access to a secondhand computer?
It's common not to get all information such as the administrator password with a used computer. There are a couple of approaches to taking ownership. (Continue reading...)

How do I get Windows XP SP3 on CD?
Windows XP SP3 is releasing. If you're on dial-up, or have many machines, you may want to wait for the Network Install or for a CD to be available. (Continue reading...)

How do I install SP2 if I get "Access Denied" or some other failure when I try?
Installing SP2 can fail for a few different reasons. "Access Denied" might be fixable, or might require more aggressive measures to install SP2. (Continue reading...)

How do I install programs if I'm not the administrator of the computer?
Many programs require that you be administrator in order to install. If you're not, you have few options. Most boil down to: be the administrator. (Continue reading...)

How do I make a Windows XP boot disk?
Unfortunately you can't just "make a boot disk", but there are approaches that will allow you to boot from CD to access the contents of your hard disk. (Continue reading...)

How do I recover a corrupt system file if my Windows was pre-installed?
Pre-installed copies of Windows often come without an installation CD, which makes some types of recovery difficult, and occasionally even impossible. (Continue reading...)

How do I reformat and reinstall Windows?
Sometimes the best approach to resolving an issue, be it a virus or simply software rot, is reformat and reinstall. We'll review the steps. (Continue reading...)

How do I reformat my machine if I don't have a Windows CD?
Reformatting a machine is a major step that erases everything. Unless you really know what you're doing, you're going to want that Windows Setup CD. (Continue reading...)

How do I restore my computer back to Windows XP?
After a series of operating system changes, the your options for a true "restore" are limited, and usually involve a reinstall instead. (Continue reading...)

How do I tell Windows where my I386 folder has moved?
You can move the I386 folder, but in order to keep Windows File Protection happy, you'll need to update a registry key as well. (Continue reading...)

I don't have an installation CD for Windows XP - what if I need one?
At some point you'll need your Windows installation CD. If you don't have one, you could be out of luck. Be sure to get one and keep it safe. (Continue reading...)

I have no CD - how do I get at Windows XP setup?
If you don't have your Windows installation CD there are still a few things you can do. If you have an image of your CD, you may be able to do more. (Continue reading...)

If I replace my hard drive will I lose my ability to restore to original settings?
Harddrives often contain more than you think. Replacing or losing one may also cause system recovery information to be lost as well. (Continue reading...)

If my Windows XP is not genuine, can I download an older version for free?
It's tempting to pirate an older version of Windows to replace an illegal copy of a current version. Unfortunately, it's likely just as illegal. (Continue reading...)

Is a backup an alternative to having no Windows installation CDs?
If you've received a new machine without installation media, and you can't get installation media, an immediate full backup can be an alternative. (Continue reading...)

Just what service packs do I need?
SP2 or SP3 for Windows XP? SP1 or SP2 for Vista? For now, at least, which one do you need, and will that last? I'll look at the confusing combinations. (Continue reading...)

Should I Install SP2? (Windows XP Service Pack 2)
You should install Windows Service Pack 2, but there are a few steps to take before you do. (Continue reading...)

Should I Install Windows XP SP3?
Windows XP SP3 (Service Pack 3) is on the horizon. We look at what we can expect from it, and what you might do when it arrives. (Continue reading...)

Should I upgrade from Windows 98/Me?
Windows 98 and Me are no longer being supported. If you're having problems it might be time to upgrade. Perhaps even if you're not having problems. (Continue reading...)

What do I do if my machine didn't include installation or driver disks?
Manufacturers sometimes skimp on including installation or driver discs when a system comes preinstalled. I'll review options, and what you should do. (Continue reading...)

What do I need to set up using my Windows XP virtual machine software?
Virtual machine software is incredibly powerful, but hard to conceptualize. Viewing a VM as a separate machine can make certain issues clearer. (Continue reading...)

What is the .NET Framework, and do I need all these versions?
.NET framework is an important support library for many programs. Unfortunately, its versioning and updating leave a lot to be desired. (Continue reading...)

What is the Recovery Console, and how do I get at it?
The Windows Recovery Console is an advanced repair tool that can in some cases help you to repair and recover from certain types of system problems. (Continue reading...)

What should I back up before reformatting?
Reformatting a machine is a major operation that starts by erasing everything. Having a good backup is critical to preserving your data. (Continue reading...)

What's the best way to revert from Windows Vista to run applications that don't work?
Windows Vista can have trouble running some applications. There are several options for running Windows XP, from a re-install to virtual machines. (Continue reading...)

What's the difference between a recovery disk and an installation disk?
Computers with pre-installed operating systems often include a recovery disk. Unfortunately, you might find out too late that's not what you need. (Continue reading...)

What's the difference between an upgrade and an upgrade?
With all the different versions of Windows it's easy to get confused, particularly when the term "upgrade" can actually mean two different things. (Continue reading...)

Where can I download Windows XP?
Windows XP can probably be downloaded from illegal file sharing sites, but a) that's illegal and b) there's no product key. There's one alternative. (Continue reading...)

Where can I find a missing Windows file?
It is often possible to locate missing Windows files elsewhere on your hard disk, but when all else fails they can be found on your installation media. (Continue reading...)

Why can't I activate Windows XP?
I tried to activate Windows XP Home and it didn't work. Thus began a phone saga with Microsoft support, ending in failure. Until I fixed it myself. (Continue reading...)

Will SP2 Crash my machine?
The chances of SP2 crashing your machine is low, but here are a few precautions to take before installing that will help you avoid a potential crash. (Continue reading...)

Will installing SP2 report an illegal Windows installation?
Installing SP2 won't necessarily report an illegal Windows installation. (Continue reading...)

Will reinstalling Windows too often trip up Windows Product Activation?
Windows Product Activation, or WPA, is an anti-piracy measure that tries to ensure a product is only installed legitimately. But what does that mean? (Continue reading...)

Windows XP SP3 is releasing, should I install it?
Windows XP SP3 is about to be released. Should you jump on the bandwagon immediately and install it? That depends on your tolerance for risk. (Continue reading...)