How to Troubleshoot Windows XP Professional

Windows XP Professional is the professional-grade version of Microsoft's Windows XP operating system. Some features that are included on the Professional version that do not appear on the Home edition include remote desktop, file system encryption, multiple language support and personal web server. Some issues you may have to troubleshoot in Windows XP Professional include start-up difficulties, shutdown problems and error messages. this post provides operating system support to fix windows XP professional.

Analyze the error code by logging onto the Microsoft Support website. If you receive an error message, you can look up the code as well as the fix for the Windows XP Professional operating system. Some examples include 0xC0000218 and 0x000000C2, both stop errors.


Return the computer to a restore point. Restore points can be used to return your computer to a former version before the Windows XP error occurred. Open the "System Tools" menu found under "Accessories." Choose the "Select a Restore Point" option and browse the list of past dates and times that restore points were created. Highlight any point that occurred prior to the operating system issue and click "Confirm Restore Point Selection."


Access the last known configuration of Windows XP Professional that worked. To do this, press F8 at start-up. Highlight "Last Known Good Configuration" and press "Enter."


Restart your computer in Safe Mode to troubleshoot Windows XP Professional. Once in this mode, you can change or delete drivers to fix the OS issue. To start in Safe Mode, press the F8 key during start-up. Choose "Safe Boot" from the "Windows Advanced Options" menu.


Reinstall the Windows XP Professional software. You may need to reinstall the OS if you are unable to troubleshoot the issue with less-aggressive methods. To reinstall Windows XP, make a back-up disc of your programs and files. Then insert the original installation disc and follow the instructions provided by the on-screen wizard that pops up.