In the simplest terms, a computer boot simply means starting your computer. A Windows XP boot procedure means starting a computer that runs Windows XP as its operating system. Originally, this process was called “bootstrap load,” regardless of the operating system that was being used. A computer must load software in order to run, but it cannot load software until it is running. To solve this conundrum, Windows XP and other operating systems have a hardwired program that reads the information needed to begin booting up – like using a strap to pull on a pair of boots. The first time that you start a new computer, the process usually requires a disk. Windows XP can be booted using a disk or a flash drive if you are performing what is known as a “clean” boot. Normally, you’ll use the disk that comes along with the computer and the Windows XP boot will run on its own, guiding you along the way. During this time, all of the programs are being loaded onto the operating system Windows XP, but there is little you need to do in this process as the software is set up to be easy and user-friendly.

Once Windows XP has been loaded once, you will not need the disk each time you start your computer because the information needed for a Windows XP boot will already be stored on your hard disk. There are situations where you may need a “clean” boot even after you’ve gone through the original set up process, however. A case in which you may need a “clean” Windows XP boot is when your computer suffers massive failure. This can be due to a number of causes, but most commonly it is because of a virus that was not caught by any of your anti-virus programs. In this situation you may need to re-boot your Windows XP operating system completely. It is always a good idea to have back-ups of all of your important information prior to a “clean” Windows XP boot, or prior to re-booting any other operating system, because information may be lost.

Types of Windows XP Boots

There are two basic types of Windows XP boot:

1. A boot where you get guided help from Microsoft. Start this type of boot by going to the Microsoft site and loading the program that will take you through the process step by step. This is a relatively safe option for a Windows XP boot. The down side is that it does not always solve the problem you’re facing. If the same problem is occurring after the guided version of a Windows XP boot, you may need to do a manual Windows XP boot.

1. A manual Windows XP boot is often your last option before taking your computer to a professional. This process is more complete and can usually solve any problems you are having, but it is also more intrusive and is more likely to cause your system to lose information. If you decide to try a manual Windows XP boot, it is a good idea to have someone around who really understands computers. The manual boot should only be done by advanced users.

Manual Windows XP Boot Instructions

The step-by-step process for a manual Windows XP boot:

1. In the bottom left corner, click Start, Run type “msconfig,” and OK.
2. Once the System Configuration Utility comes up, click on the General tab at the top, and then click Selective Startup.
3. Click to clear a series of boxes: Process SYSTEM.INI File, Process WIN.INI File, and Load Startup Items. Then make sure Load System Services and Use Original BOOT.INI are already checked.
4. On the same screen, click the Services tab and select Hide All Microsoft Services.
5. Click Disable All, and then OK.
6. It should tell you to Restart Microsoft XP. When prompted, click restart.

At this point the Windows XP boot may be complete and it may start on its own. If you are prompted though, be sure to log on to Windows XP. If you receive a message, select the option that will say something like “Don’t show this message or launch the System Configuration.”

We hope your Microsoft XP boot has gone smoothly. If you need more information or are stuck, you may want to contact Microsoft or bring your computer to a dealer or expert.