• While many times issues with Windows XP can be resolved through troubleshooting the computer, there are situations when re-installing a clean version of Windows XP may be the best choice. Over time, normal wear and tear from program installations and corruptions that may be caused by malware can cause a computer to slow down. Reinstalling Windows XP can help to restore the computer's operating system and help it to run like brand new.
  
  

Backup Your Data

• While it's nice to reinstall a clean version of Windows XP, you will need to back up any important data before you do. A clean version of Windows XP will not have all your previously installed programs or data files from My Documents. Back up all data you don't want to lose to a CD, DVD, flash drive or external drive.
  
  

Have the Windows XP CD and Product Key

• To install a copy of Windows XP, you will need a Windows XP installation CD and a Windows XP Product Key. If you have purchased a new copy of Windows XP, you will probably not need to worry about this. However, if you are reinstalling Windows XP with a Product Key that has already been used previously, know that you will most likely have to contact Microsoft customer service in order to be allowed to use the key a second time.
  
  

Install a New Hard Drive

• If you are comfortable with installing computer hardware such as hard drive discs, consider this a good time to make a hard drive upgrade. If your current hard drive is old or showing signs of corruption, a clean installation of XP will not fix bad sectors or corruption. You will only run the risk of reinstalling a clean operating system on a failing hard drive. You can also increase your storage space and quality of your hard disc with an upgrade.
  
  

Hardware Drivers

• Keep in mind that when you reinstall your operating system from scratch, you will also need to reinstall the hardware drivers for the motherboard components on your computer. This may include sound cards, network cards and video cards. Many computers come with drivers on a disc or prompt you to make a restoration disc that may include these drivers. Depending on the brand of your computer, you may also find these drivers as free downloads online.