Cluttered XP

[donkey33]

I did a quick search for this but couldn't find anything relavent to my issue in it.

I have a fairly cluttered XP Home Ed. I've had it for over 2 years and read the other day that it's probably a good idea to do a clean install of XP.

However, I heard you lose all info because I am just re-formatting the hard-drive.

Does anyone know of any guides that can help me with this? I just want to reinstall XP clean but not lose any of the updates I've installed or the settings I already have.

Also, what about serial codes for some programs I have? I buy the code and install it into the PC. If I reinstall, will I have to re-enter all these codes or buy again?

Thanks

[Sean]

Well the only way you can reformat and keep the updates would be to slipstream service pack 2 into your Windows XP install disk.

Check out here for more information on slipstreaming.
http://www.msfn.org/articles.php?action=show&showarticle=49

[SwiftAddictions]

You could just re-enter the codes, no need to buy again

[GreNME]

I have a fairly cluttered XP Home Ed. I've had it for over 2 years and read the other day that it's probably a good idea to do a clean install of XP.
Wherever you read this was not telling you the truth, but a very subjective opinion based on older (Win 9x) technology and not on the newer (Win NT) technology.

[Phaedrus]

I agree with GrenME. Reformatting is for the win98 era. It is rarely necessary for XP. I only reccommend it if you did an xp upgrade from 98 or ME.

[donkey33]

Ok. Thanks guys.

That's what I was looking for. I didn't really want to do all that work but I needed a 2nd opinion.

Thanks.

[whisper]

I agree that for many issues it is not necessary to go and do a complete format and reinstallation, but in my experience it depends on how cluttered the current installaion has become. Even though it might be possible to fix everything and clean up whatever has gone wrong, sometimes it's just quicker to reinstall. Two hours tops could get the hdd reformatted, the OS installed, and all uptades performed. Then you're set for another two years ;)

Here's a general procedure I always follow if I'm going to do a reinstallation:

1. Backup all your personal files (my documents folder, etc.). If you have a second hdd that's ideal, but you can use other things like zip disks, an iPod, or even burn things to CD or DVD although that would take a significant amount of extra time.

2. Make a backup copy of you favorites folder to preserve IE bookmarks. Also remember to backup your email if you don't want to lose it. How you do that depends on which email client you use. If you don't use a client or have your emails backed up on a server then forget about this step.

3. Go into your program files directory and make backup copies of game save files. Try to remember where they are located so you can restore them to those locations after you reinstall your games. If you don't play games, well, one less thing to worry about then.

If you have no means to backup, then don't proceed to the next step unless you want to lose everything!

4. Boot up the WinXP installation CD and follow the instructions. Usually everything you need is on the CD, but for certain components such as SATA drives/RAID setups you might need to press F6 to tell windows you have a third-party driver. If you know this is the case, make sure you have the driver handy on a floppy. Windows installation will tell you when to insert the floppy if you pressed F6.

5. After your system has been analysed, you'll be presented with the available partitions on which you can install. Typically there will just be one partition. Delete this old parition and create a new one. Proceed with the directions to install windows on the new partition using a complete format. Obviously, after this step, everything that used to be on your hdd will be gone.

Tip: If you have the space to spare, you can create two partitions instead of just one. This is especially useful if you only have a single hdd. You can choose one for windows installation and use the second one in case you have to do this again i.e. to back up files on etc.

6. Windows will finish the installation and you will have a brand new OS again. Keep in mind that you'll probably have to install some drivers at this point, such as network device, motherboard drivers, and video drivers. Make sure you at least have the driver for your ethernet card or modem handy, otherwise it'll be hard to downlaod any other drivers you might need :rolleyes:

7. Go to the windows update site and start getting all the updates you need. Do the critical ones first and then choose any optional ones you might want. Update to SP2 if you want. You'll probably have to do several restarts throughout this process.

8. Restore all your documents and reinstall software. Restore save game files, emails, and IE favorites.

Sounds like a lot but it's not that big of a deal. First time might take a while, but then you'll know exactly what to do if you (or a friend) needs to do it again.

Feel free to make additions/corrections to this.

[donkey33]

Thanks. That's a great little guide.

It shouldn't be too hard if I decide to do it. I have a 2nd HDD I can back up all my files on and have 2 XP cds with the majority of updats for SP1 and all updates for SP2.

Just need to organise some driver files if I want to do it.

Thanks again.

[GreNME]

You know, whisper, that's a really good quick set of steps for someone for whether they are upgrading, reinstalling, or pretty much any Win-to-Win situation. Kudos. :)

[whisper]

No problem, glad to help out where i can.

donkey33, sounds like you've got everything you need. Good luck if you decide to go ahead with it.

[mosin]

I agree with GrenME. Reformatting is for the win98 era. It is rarely necessary for XP. I only recommend it if you did an xp upgrade from 98 or ME.
Reformatting is for really bad issues. I have a Win98 machine that is on the original install. November 1997. Another that I have has a Win98SE install that was an upgrade from Win95. Win98 is easy to clean up, and reformatting isn't necessary with any of them, unless the problem is very severe. XP is even better. I've used System Restore a couple of times because I constantly tweak things, but the install is the original one.

[GreNME]

I agree that 98 is able to be cleaned up. The thing is, the whole "reformat every few months" paradigm originated with the 9x systems. Right or wrong, the thinking is based on a whole different technology.