Before reformat C:\, save system volume information ?

[RobF]

Create restore point before reformat, after removing previous points, save
the files to another drive, then reformat? Would the system accept the saved
restore point when copied to the new C:\? Thus, reinstalling apps would be
unnecessary. Is this proceedure workable? TIA, any comments.

 

[John John (MVP)]

No, that will absolutely not work!

John

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

No. A clean install of Windows XP will require you
to reinstall your applications using the original installation
media.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Desktop Experience -
Windows Vista Enthusiast

---------------------------------------------------------------

Create restore point before reformat, after removing previous points, save
the files to another drive, then reformat? Would the system accept the saved
restore point when copied to the new C:\? Thus, reinstalling apps would be
unnecessary. Is this proceedure workable? TIA, any comments.

 

[Bob I]

Where would the application program files magically appear from? Why are
you reformatting? Why not just save an image of the installation?

 

[Big_Al]

Create restore point before reformat, after removing previous points, save
the files to another drive, then reformat? Would the system accept the saved
restore point when copied to the new C:\? Thus, reinstalling apps would be
unnecessary. Is this proceedure workable? TIA, any comments.

As others have said, no. Besides, restore points only restore the OS,
not your applications.

 

[RobF]

Image software: Google lists many, of course, Acronis and freeware. Maybe
one of my old removed Norton progs offers image, but many users wouldn't
recommend Symantec nowadays. What freeware Image software would be a good
bet? TIA,
--
RobF
Address anti-spammed

| Create restore point before reformat, after removing previous points, save
| the files to another drive, then reformat? Would the system accept the
saved
| restore point when copied to the new C:\? Thus, reinstalling apps would
be
| unnecessary. Is this proceedure workable? TIA, any comments.
| --
| RobF
| Address anti-spammed
|
|

 

[Michael Jennings]

If you want a clean installation of XP, you won't get it this way.
http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleid=418&page=2

 

[sgopus]

won't work.
Best solution is have your applications install cd's handy, drivers all
corralled for all your hardware, saved to a cd? format and install clean.

 

[RobF]

| RobF added these comments in the current discussion du jour ...
|
| > Create restore point before reformat, after removing previous
| > points, save the files to another drive, then reformat? Would the
| > system accept the saved restore point when copied to the new C:\?
| > Thus, reinstalling apps would be unnecessary. Is this proceedure
| > workable? TIA, any comments.
|
| what would be the point? once you format your HDD everything prior RPs
| pointed to would be wiped out, right? I could suggest you image your
| primary partition but without even an inkling of what you're trying to
| do, no suggestion is going to help you.
|
| --
| HP, aka Jerry
|
| "You've obviously mistaken me for someone who gives a shit!"

If you occasionally give a shit, an inkling: reformat c;\, reinstall XP with
slipstreamed SP3, do *something* to return 'puter to state preexisting the
reformat. If a miracle manoeuvre springs to mind, spring it here. There
seem to be multiple cautions to imaging.