Hate Windows XP? Wipe it out!

Question: I want to wipe out Windows XP and revert to Windows ME or 98. I have both. Can you help? —Cal

Answer: For the benefit of everyone, here’s how to go back to Windows ME, 98, or even 95.

First, determine which file system is on your computer. The file system is a sorting method for computer files on a computer’s hard drive. Under Windows XP, there are two possibilities: NTFS and FAT32.

NTFS is a system from the old Windows NT (and Windows 2000) operating system which was Microsoft’s old Windows for business line.

FAT32 was used on Windows ME and was an evolution of the FAT system used on 95 and 98.

Confused yet? Don’t sweat it. All you need to know is that you have one or the other, and here’s how you find out:

  1. Double-click the My Computer icon on the desktop.
  2. Right-click on your C: drive, and choose Properties.
  3. Find the File system entry.
  4. Follow this link if it’s NTFS. Or this link if it’s FAT32.

 

(See video series on how to wipe XP and reformat)