The first thing you need to do is configure your computer to boot from the CD-ROM drive. Click here for more information on how to do so or refer to your computer's documentation or contact your computer manufacturer. You may also want to check your BIOS for boot options. After you set this up, insert your Windows XP Setup CD, and restart your computer.

When the Press any key to boot from CD message is displayed on your screen, press a key to start your computer from the Windows XP CD.

Press ENTER when you see the message To setup Windows XP now, and then press ENTER displayed on the Welcome to Setup screen.

DO NOT choose the option to press R to use the Recovery Console.

In the Windows XP Licensing Agreement, press F8 to agree to the license agreement.

Make sure that your current installation of Windows XP is selected in the box, and then press R to repair Windows XP.

Follow the instructions on the screen to complete Setup.

You will need a Windows XP CD to boot from. Put the CD in the drive and start the computer. You should get an option to Press any key to boot from CD. Press any key when you see this message.

Next, Windows XP will Begin the Setup Process as if you were installing Windows itself.

At the screen below press R to enter the Recovery Console.

The Recovery Console will ask which Windows installation to access. Most people only have one Windows XP installation so you most likely will only have one choice.

Then it will ask for the administrator password for your Windows XP installation. Type in your administrator password or leave it blank and press enter if you don't have one.

The Recovery Console is now ready for use and you can type in commands to try and fix your computer's problem. When you are finished, take out the Windows XP CD and type exit to restart the computer.

You will need a Windows XP CD to boot from. Put the CD in the drive and start the computer. You should get an option to Press any key to boot from CD. Press any key when you see this message.

Next, Windows XP will Begin the Setup Process as if you were installing Windows itself.

At the screen below press R to enter the Recovery Console.

The Recovery Console will ask which Windows installation to access. Most people only have one Windows XP installation so you most likely will only have one choice.

Then it will ask for the administrator password for your Windows XP installation. Type in your administrator password or leave it blank and press enter if you don't have one.

The Recovery Console is now ready for use and you can type in commands to try and fix your computer's problem. When you are finished, take out the Windows XP CD and type exit to restart the computer.

You will need a Windows XP CD to boot from. Put the CD in the drive and start the computer. You should get an option to Press any key to boot from CD. Press any key when you see this message.

Next, Windows XP will Begin the Setup Process as if you were installing Windows itself.

At the screen below press R to enter the Recovery Console.

The Recovery Console will ask which Windows installation to access. Most people only have one Windows XP installation so you most likely will only have one choice.

Then it will ask for the administrator password for your Windows XP installation. Type in your administrator password or leave it blank and press enter if you don't have one.

The Recovery Console is now ready for use and you can type in commands to try and fix your computer's problem. When you are finished, take out the Windows XP CD and type exit to restart the computer.