Parallel reinstall: Windows folder

[newxprays]

Due to malware and viruses, I did a parallel reinstall of Windows XP into a
new folder called WINXP. So far, the new install is working properly. Can I
delete the WINDOWS folder which contains the old install info? Are there some
files in the WINDOWS folder that I need? Thanks for the help.

 

[JS]

What about your applications, did you reinstall
them also.

Don't be 100% certain that the second install
is Virus free.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

Due to malware and viruses, I did a parallel reinstall of Windows
XP into a new folder called WINXP. So far, the new install is
working properly. Can I delete the WINDOWS folder which contains
the old install info? Are there some files in the WINDOWS folder
that I need?

Don't know what you *need*...

Did you reinstall all your applications?
I suggest renaming the "Windows" folder, rebooting and making sure
everything you need still works...

 

[newxprays]

Thanks for the help.

I did copy the Windows folder to an external hard drive. I have not yet
reinstalled all my apps that were previously on the PC, so I do not know if
any of the previous apps need any files in the Windows folder. I like your
idea to rename the Windows folder and then rebooting and trying my apps.
If apps do not work, are there specific directories within the Windows
folder that may contain files that are necessary for some apps.

As an alternative, could I:
1) delete the Windows folder from the PC,
2) test the current apps,
3) reinstall additional apps,
4) when/if any of the reinstalled apps do not work properly, restore the
Windows folder from the external drive, or selected directories of the
Windows folder.

Thanks.

 

[John John - MVP]

This (parallel install) is usually only prescribed as a last resort to
be used only for the purpose of trying to salvage files or to attempt to
repair the original installation from another working Windows
installation. This installation can create problems with many of the
shared folders, you should ditch this installation.

John

 

[Craig Coope]

Due to malware and viruses, I did a parallel reinstall of Windows XP into a
new folder called WINXP. So far, the new install is working properly. Can I
delete the WINDOWS folder which contains the old install info? Are there some
files in the WINDOWS folder that I need? Thanks for the help.

It's always a good time to start afresh. Copy all the files you want
to keep to your external HD and format and install. When you are sure
that your files are virus free, copy them back.