Clean load of XP Pro

[Nukeguy]

I am trying to load a clean copy of XP Pro, but my computer has stalled at
the setup menu. There is a whole bunch of crap on my hard drive, and it
seems to be bogging down my download. Is there a way I can go right to
formatting the C:/ drive? Please let me know if I can fix this issue. Thank
you.

 

[sgopus]

boot to your install cd and when it asks choose format the hd, it will then
erase all data, and install clean.

 

[Daave]

I am trying to load a clean copy of XP Pro, but my computer has
stalled at the setup menu. There is a whole bunch of crap on my hard
drive, and it seems to be bogging down my download. Is there a way I
can go right to formatting the C:/ drive? Please let me know if I
can fix this issue. Thank you.

I'm not sure what you mean by "bogging down my download." Perhaps you
mean your performance is slow?

I'm also not sure what you mean by "whole bunch of crap on my hard
drive." If you're referring to data, that shouldn't matter (unless you
have less than 15% free space). If you're referring to malicious
software (and/or too many memory-hogging background programs), that can
usually be dealt with on its own -- and it normally takes less time and
effort than a clean install followed by downloading and installing all
necessary patches, programs, settings, drivers, etc. Furthermore, if you
opt for the nuclear option, your current problem will probably come back
anyway.

So, my advice is to deal with your specific problem(s). If you post back
with detailed information, I'm sure many here will be able to offer
helpful advice.

 

[JS]

How to do a Clean Install of Windows XP

Start by changing the BIOS setting to Boot from CD drive first.
Then see below:

From Michael Steven's: http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
more info: http://windowsxp.mvps.org/XPClean.htm
and: http://www.theeldergeek.com/clean_installation_of_windows_xp.htm
also: http://www.bootdisk.com/

Also make sure you have the drivers you need for your motherboard, video
card, sound card, Etc.
Try Belarc Advisor: http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
It does a good job of providing a wealth of information including software
Key codes
and Devices you will need Drivers for.

If you are doing a Clean Install on an existing PC that has XP already
Installed:
Verify your CD Key code matches what Belarc Advisor reports for your
existing install.
Note: OEM Windows Installs usually come with a sticker on the PC or laptop
and may not match the factory installed key.

Note:A number of vendors now supply restore CD(s) or have a restore
partition on the hard drive
and usually do not supply a Windows XP CD.

JS

 

[JS]

Also if you have not started the clean install yet...
Take a look at CCleaner as a tool to remove crap such as Internet history
info, cookies, temp files, auto complete and other junk.
In the 'Windows' tab listing just check the item types you want deleted.
Also available is customization, see Options/Custom to add any
other/additional folders you want files deleted from.

http://www.ccleaner.com/

JS

 

[Jim]

I am trying to load a clean copy of XP Pro, but my computer has stalled at
the setup menu. There is a whole bunch of crap on my hard drive, and it
seems to be bogging down my download. Is there a way I can go right to
formatting the C:/ drive? Please let me know if I can fix this issue.
Thank
you.

In addition to what others have posted, you must boot from the installation
CD to
accomplish this task.

Be aware, the reinstalling XP takes a looooong time.

Jim

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I am trying to load a clean copy of XP Pro, but my computer has stalled at
the setup menu. There is a whole bunch of crap on my hard drive, and it
seems to be bogging down my download. Is there a way I can go right to
formatting the C:/ drive? Please let me know if I can fix this issue. Thank
you.

After backing up any data you wish to transfer to the new OS
installation, simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. You'll be
offered the opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part
of the installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order of
boot devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.)

HOW TO Install Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm

Then the backed up data can be restored and applications re-installed.



--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Nukeguy]

Hi guys,

All of the posts have been informative, but I did all these things, and it
still won't boot from the DVD drive. The drive worked earlier this week, but
I am thinking it might be the problem. Wouldn't Windows tell me if there was
a problem with the drive? I have received no error message...

 

[Daave]

Hi guys,

All of the posts have been informative, but I did all these things,
and it still won't boot from the DVD drive. The drive worked earlier
this week, but I am thinking it might be the problem. Wouldn't
Windows tell me if there was a problem with the drive? I have
received no error message...

Well, I'm only one of the guys, and I'm not quite sure why you're
replying to me since I'm the one who was trying to talk you out of
reinstalling your OS! But since you seem determined to try the nuclear
option, let's tackle that.

(First, why do you think there's something wrong with the optical
drive?)

What is the make and model of your PC? That will determine how to
instruct your PC to boot off your CD-ROM drive. This page should help:

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm

You have received many posts with instructions or links to instructions.
If you choose to reply to my post, it would be helpful if you and I are
on the same (Web) page:

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

If you hit a snag anywhere along the way, please indicate at which step
it happened.

And as others mentioned, make sure you have all the necessary drivers
and installation files of your programs. Also, make sure to save all
your data and settings (including e-mail files, bookmarks, etc.).
Backing up to an external USB hard drive is the easiest way, but you can
also burn disks.

But one last chance: You probably don't need to perform a clean install!
If you tell us what your *specific* problems are, I'm sure you will get
good advice on how to fix them.

 

[maxpac]

I can't get my computer to boot to XP cd after a crash due to corrupted
configsys. I have tried changing boot to local or local then network, but cd
will still not boot up to reinstall.

 

[Dustin Harper]

Go to the BIOS and select the CD Drive as the first item in the boot order.