Step 1Back up all user files if you're planning to perform a system recovery. Buy a large stack of CDs or multiple flash drives. This is the best way to back up your hard drive, especially if you've got a large quantity of files which take up a lot of space on the drive. The flash drives are particularly useful if you are unable to burn files to disk. You can use the flash drives to transfer files to another computer, and then burn them to CD. You also might want to try zip drives. Other alternatives include connecting the computer to another computer using a null modem cable or a networking USB cable, then downloading all user files to the second computer. Also, an external hard drive works very well as a backup drive, as does a tape drive. This step is primarily for user files which you and other members of your household created. Save important information such as program activation codes, your internet access information and usernames and passwords.

Step 2Gather together all the installation CDs which came with your computer and with the devices you have added to your computer. This may include your printer, modem, router, access point, disk drives, graphics card, sound card and any other devices which have their own separate installation software. Create a boot disk for your chosen operating system to guard against system failure.

Step 3Ensure that your computer is set up to boot from the CD-ROM drive. This is done in the system BIOS. Most computers access the BIOS by selecting a function key on boot-up. Watch the splash screen as your computer boots