How do I reinstall XP

I got a old laptop that I want to reinstall XP on, but i have no clue where to start, I got all my files off of it so it's 100% ready to do it. Some help please?

Do you have an XP installation disk and a valid Product Key for XP?

If you have a Product Key, is it the one shown on a sticker on the laptop? Or is it from a separately purchased XP disk?

As far as you know, what operating system was on the laptop when it left the factory?

Xp Home has always been on it, and yes the key is on the sticker on the bottom of the laptop.

Just dive in---if the installation disc you have matches the XP edition mentioned on the Product Key. XP Home I assume?

It's been 6 or 8 years since I installed XP. I don't remember anything peculiar about it. I assume you would boot from the installation disc and follow the prompts.

You will need the actual Physical XP install DVD, or an ISO file, for the version of XP that you have a license key for.

You should of gotten one of those with the system when it was delivered to you or a Utility on the system to Create an Install CD/DVD of the OS from files on the hard drive.

If the system still works you may still be able to create one using that utility, if it came with a utility to do this.

I probably threw my disc away years ago, so how what would i do about that iso thing you mentioned?
Also what is that utility thing you mentioned? And yes the laptop is able to run

Jemjem787 said:

I probably threw my disc away years ago, so how what would i do about that iso thing you mentioned?
Also what is that utility thing you mentioned? And yes the laptop is able to run

Why does anyone throw away the only thing they should always keep. The OS reinstall disc.

You will need to find someone that has one or contact the manufacturer and order one. That is if they still have them.

Couldn't I just burn it onto a disc or usb?

Jemjem787 said:

Couldn't I just burn it onto a disc or usb?

What is "it"?

Where do you get "it"?

Your best bet is to use the recovery partition, as WHS mentioned, if there is one.

I'm not aware of anywhere you can download a known legit XP iso file.

Or you may be able to use a borrowed XP disk that matches your Product Key.