clean install of xp pro

[browning]

I need to reformat and partition my drive and install xp I have never done
this before so any help will be appreciated all the articles say different
things so im a little confused a symantec rep destroyed my drive performing
remote assistance due to a problem with the 3.1 microsoft installer
(norton360 wouldnt install)
first off this is how it was originally partitioned from dell and I dont
know if it should be done the same way or how to since I only know how to
format the partition im going to install windows on this is what it
originally said

-artition 1 [FAT] 55mb
cartition 2 [NTFS] 233601 mb
fartition 3[FAT] 4754mb


I dont know what the [fat] is I thought windows should be in a partition
that was ntfs and seperate from all my personal files should I partition or
not and just use the whole drive and install windows on that and if I do
partition if I create a small partition of say 10gb for windows and format it
to ntfs it starts to install windows so how do I format the rest of the drive
for my data and then how would I get my document onto that drive thank you in
advance for any help

 

[windmap]

Call dell Tech support they will help you perform clean install .

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

I need to reformat and partition my drive and install xp I have never done
this before so any help will be appreciated all the articles say different
things so im a little confused a symantec rep destroyed my drive
performing
remote assistance due to a problem with the 3.1 microsoft installer
(norton360 wouldnt install)
first off this is how it was originally partitioned from dell and I dont
know if it should be done the same way or how to since I only know how to
format the partition im going to install windows on this is what it
originally said

-artition 1 [FAT] 55mb
cartition 2 [NTFS] 233601 mb
fartition 3[FAT] 4754mb


I dont know what the [fat] is I thought windows should be in a partition
that was ntfs and seperate from all my personal files should I partition
or
not and just use the whole drive and install windows on that and if I do
partition if I create a small partition of say 10gb for windows and format
it
to ntfs it starts to install windows so how do I format the rest of the
drive
for my data and then how would I get my document onto that drive thank you
in
advance for any help

A good way to install WinXP would be to create a primary
partition of 20 GBytes and use it for Windows and for your
applications. You can then use the rest for your data.

Incidentally, you would make things much easier for potential
respondents if you applied the usual punctuation rules to your
post. As it is, without a single comma or full stop, it is very
difficult to read. We can't tell where one sentence ends and
the next one starts.

 

[Nepatsfan]

I need to reformat and partition my drive and install xp I have never done
this before so any help will be appreciated all the articles say different
things so im a little confused a symantec rep destroyed my drive performing
remote assistance due to a problem with the 3.1 microsoft installer
(norton360 wouldnt install)
first off this is how it was originally partitioned from dell and I dont
know if it should be done the same way or how to since I only know how to
format the partition im going to install windows on this is what it
originally said

-artition 1 [FAT] 55mb
cartition 2 [NTFS] 233601 mb
fartition 3[FAT] 4754mb


I dont know what the [fat] is I thought windows should be in a partition
that was ntfs and seperate from all my personal files should I partition or
not and just use the whole drive and install windows on that and if I do
partition if I create a small partition of say 10gb for windows and format it
to ntfs it starts to install windows so how do I format the rest of the drive
for my data and then how would I get my document onto that drive thank you in
advance for any help

Consult the manual for your system. It can be downloaded from Dell's support web
site. The manual should outline the procedure for reinstalling XP. If your
system did not come with an XP Pro installation CD, it's possible that the F
drive contains the files needed to restore your computer to the state it was in
when it left the factory.

As for the 55MB FAT partition at the beginning of the drive, it contains files
to run Dell diagnostic programs. These programs can also be run off a CD that
you should have received with your computer.

If you decide to proceed with the installation, my advice would be to format the
C drive and install XP there. I'd keep C the same size it is right now.
Considering the size of your hard drive, creating a separate partition for your
data may lead to problems as the C drive fills up.

Hopefully, you have a backup of all your important files.

Good luck

Nepatsfan

 

[John Barnett MVP]

Before we start any explanations let's get a few facts straight. Firstly you
don't actually say what type of XP disk you have. You have a Dell machine,
therefore they should have provided you with either a recovery disk or a
recovery partition. Obviously if the Symantec tech has destroyed your hard
drive then the chances are that any recovery partition will be inaccessible,
so that leaves either recovery disks or a retail version of XP. to get a
retail version you would have had to buy a copy.

However, reading your email further you state 'if I do partition if I create
a small partition of say 10gb for windows and format it to ntfs it starts to
install windows' so that makes me think that you do actually have a bootable
retail copy of XP.

Creating other partitions can be sorted out once XP has been installed,
basically you need one partition for the operating system and one for your
personal data, so initially I am going to point you to a link on my website
regarding installing XP. This is an illustrated guide so the pictures tell
their own story.

http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how_do_i_install_windows_xp.htm

You might also like to look at this link too:

http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how_do_i_partition_and_format_my.htm

You can either partition during the windows installation (probably the best
idea) or after installation. However, to create a partition after installing
XP you will need 'free space' so during the initial install of XP try to
make the XP partition around 40GB

Judging by the list of partitions you have quoted I assume that the 55mb was
a boot partition put on by Dell to access recovery software, drive C:,
obviously, is your XP drive, and drive F:, maybe, your recovery partition,
unless you created drive F yourself?


--
--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
Windows - Shell/User

Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org

The information in this mail/post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any
kind, either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this mail/post. The Author shall not be liable for
any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the
use of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this
mail/post..

I need to reformat and partition my drive and install xp I have never done
this before so any help will be appreciated all the articles say different
things so im a little confused a symantec rep destroyed my drive
performing
remote assistance due to a problem with the 3.1 microsoft installer
(norton360 wouldnt install)
first off this is how it was originally partitioned from dell and I dont
know if it should be done the same way or how to since I only know how to
format the partition im going to install windows on this is what it
originally said

-artition 1 [FAT] 55mb
cartition 2 [NTFS] 233601 mb
fartition 3[FAT] 4754mb


I dont know what the [fat] is I thought windows should be in a partition
that was ntfs and seperate from all my personal files should I partition
or
not and just use the whole drive and install windows on that and if I do
partition if I create a small partition of say 10gb for windows and format
it
to ntfs it starts to install windows so how do I format the rest of the
drive
for my data and then how would I get my document onto that drive thank you
in
advance for any help

 

[Xandros]

It is likely that the first and last partitions are Dell recovery
partitions. If you plan to use their recovery process/disks then just pop
the Dell recovery disk in the drive and follow the prompts.

If you plan to do a new install of XP using a version you purchased
separately from the computer you may decide to wipe all of the partitions
and start fresh. To do that boot with the XP CD and at the first screen that
asks about whether you want to install Windows or Repair using the Recovery
Console select "r" . You will be asked to press a number (Usually 1) to
select C:\Windows . From the prompt type DELPART and use the simple
interface to delete all of the partitions. This takes a few seconds. When
finished type the following FIXMBR to rebuild the master boot record. It
will give you a few warnings. Just type Y to answer yes. When finished type
EXIT and the computer will reboot. It will immediately read the XP CD and
you will be back to the install options screen. This time press Enter to
install Windows and F8 to accept the agreement. You will then have the
option to crate a partition, format as NTFS and installation will proceed.

 

[Plato]

I need to reformat and partition my drive and install xp I have never done
this before so any help will be appreciated all the articles say different

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=316941