Background

• When the Microsoft Windows operating system is first installed on a PC, its files are copied to the computer hard drive from an installation CD.
  
  If you purchased your PC from a major manufacturer, it is likely that this installation will have taken place at the factory, but a CD is often supplied in case you need to reinstall the operating system.
  
  

Options

• Some manufacturers include an original Microsoft operating system CD and a separate CD containing system-specific drivers and utility programs.
  
  Other manufacturers incorporate everything into a "recovery CD," which often contains dedicated software that restores your computer to its factory settings.
  
  

Warning

• Installing from an XP Pro Recovery CD is likely to wipe any data you have stored on your computer. Ensure that you follow your manufacturer's instructions.