How to Remove Windows XP

For whatever reason, some people who are unhappy with the Windows XP operating system for their PC, may want to remove it, and revert to an older and more familiar system such as Windows 95, 98, or 2000.

Microsoft's recommended procedure for removing Windows XP, will only work if you have upgraded from Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, or Windows Millenium Edition. You cannot remove Windows XP at all, if you upgraded from Windows XP Home Edition, Windows NT 4.0 or Windows 2000.

Remember that before attempting any major system change like this, you should back up all your files. Programs installed prior to an upgrade to Windows XP will still be there when you remove it, but programs installed after Windows XP, will be removed, and must be reinstalled.

If you removed the Uninstall files that were automatically saved when you installed XP, this procedure will not work. First, you must restart the PC in safe mode. Reboot and press the F8 key while Windows is loading. Log on with your secure information.

Go to Start, then Programs, Control Panel, and select Add/Remove Programs. Scroll down the list until you find Uninstall Windows XP, then double click it. When a message appears, asking if you are sure you want to uninstall Windows XP and restore your previous system, click Yes. When XP has been removed, your computer will restart with the former operation system.

If the option to Uninstall Windows XP is not on the list, you will need to reinstall your former operating system, i.e. Windows 98, before you can proceed. Remember to back up all files.