How to uninstall / remove Windows XP?

This article describes how to remove Microsoft Windows XP after an upgrade was completed successfully.
Note: If the Windows XP removal files have been removed from the computer, you cannot use the removal that this article describes.

1. Restart your computer in Safe mode. To do this, press the F8 key while Windows is starting.

2. Log on with an account that has administrative credentials.

3. Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click Add or Remove Programs.

4. In the list of installed programs, double-click Uninstall Windows XP.

Note: If Uninstall Windows XP is not in the list of installed programs, you must manually reinstall Windows 98 or Windows Millennium Edition. In this case, make sure that you back up all your critical data before you reinstall Windows 98 or Windows Millennium Edition.

5. When you receive the following message, click Yes to start the Windows XP removal:

Are you sure you want to uninstall Windows XP and restore your previous operating system?

6. After Windows XP is removed, your computer restarts to the previously-installed operating system.

If you want to return to Windows 95, Windows NT, or Windows 2000

If you want remove Windows XP and return to Microsoft Windows 95, Windows NT, or Windows 2000, you must reinstall Windows 95, Windows NT, or Windows 2000, restart your computer in Safe mode, and then back up all your critical data before you reinstall Windows 95, Windows NT, or Windows 2000.