[Ent]

what is the difference between using the recovery console and doing a complete re-install of the OS?

The recovery console is a command line (DOS-like) program built onto the Windows XP CD with tools to help repair some problems. The most common example it can use chkdsk to scan for harddisk corruption. However it requires some skill to use, and in many cases, including but not limitted to virus problems, is often unable to help.

A repair install is performed when the CD replaces windows files with their defaults without formatting the drive or removing the user's programs or documents. This can be useful, but if the problem is a viral infection or a problem caused by the user's programs, it doesn't help.

A flat format and reinstall should work in every case unless the hardware is damaged; it erases all information on the disk and resets the computer to its original state. It also obliterates any viruses.