Article ID: 308233 - Last Review: April 28, 2004 - Revision: 1.3

How to start the Windows XP uninstallation process from a command prompt

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SUMMARY

This article describes how to start the Windows XP uninstallation process when you are unable to start your Windows XP-based computer typically or in Safe mode.

MORE INFORMATION

Windows XP includes the Uninstall Windows XP option in the Add/Remove Programs tool in Control Panel if you upgraded from Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, or Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me). You can use this option to restore your previous version of Windows. To uninstall Windows XP when you are unable to start your Windows XP-based computer typically or in Safe mode, manually start the uninstallation process:
  1. Start your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

    NOTE: You must log on as an administrator or a user that has administrator rights.
  2. At the command prompt, type cd\, and then press ENTER.
  3. Type cd\windows\system32, and then press ENTER.
  4. Type osuninst.exe, and then press ENTER.
  5. Follow the instructions on the screen to begin uninstalling Windows XP from your computer to restore the previous operating system.
For additional information, click the article numbers below to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
303160  (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/303160/EN-US/ ) 'Uninstall Option Not Available' Error Message When You Upgrade Your Computer to Windows XP
303661  (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/303661/EN-US/ ) How to Uninstall Windows XP and Revert to a Previous Operating System
APPLIES TO
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
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kbenv kbhowto kbsetup KB308233