Clean install question

[BillW]

I have a PC running XP and I would like to do a clean install. When I start
the clean install, it eventually gets to the point where it shows that I
have one partition and asks me where I want to install the OS. If I tell it
to install in the same partition, I get a warning that I should not install
2 operating systems in the same partition. I don't know what to do so it
will reformat my C-drive and reinstall XP. Do I tell it to install in the
same partition even though I get the warning or do I tell it to make a new
partition? If I tell it to make a new partition, what happens to the
"partition" that the current version of the OS is in? If it makes a new
partition, what size do I make it and do I delete the partition that the OS
is currently in when it's done? Is there something else I should do? Sorry
for these novice questions, but I don't want to do something wrong. Thank
you.

 

[Daave]

I have a PC running XP and I would like to do a clean install. When I
start the clean install, it eventually gets to the point where it shows
that I have one partition and asks me where I want to install the OS.
If I tell it to install in the same partition, I get a warning that I
should not install 2 operating systems in the same partition. I don't
know what to do so it will reformat my C-drive and reinstall XP. Do I
tell it to install in the same partition even though I get the warning
or do I tell it to make a new partition? If I tell it to make a new
partition, what happens to the "partition" that the current version of
the OS is in? If it makes a new partition, what size do I make it and
do I delete the partition that the OS is currently in when it's done?
Is there something else I should do? Sorry for these novice questions,
but I don't want to do something wrong. Thank you.

Instead of installing Windows to a partition that already has Windows
(which is a parallel install), this is what you need to do to perform a
clean install:

Delete your existing partition.
Then create a partition in the empty space.

That is from Step 10b from this page:

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

 

[JS]

Assuming you have backed up any important data.
Then delete the existing partition, they create a new
partition the same size and format it. Then continue
on with the "Clean Install". You will end up with one
version of XP installed and all applications
will need to re-installed.

Also:
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.

 

[Daave]

Instead of installing Windows to a partition that already has Windows
(which is a parallel install), this is what you need to do to perform
a clean install:

Delete your existing partition.
Then create a partition in the empty space.

That is from Step 10b from this page:

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

Clarification:

When you get to this screen:

http://www.windowsxphome.windowsreinstall.com/images/Image9.gif

If you are not creating multiple partitions, then you can press "Enter"
to install Windows (into the "Unpartitioned space"). That automatically
creates one partition out of the entire hard drive.

Further instructions (more detailed than my first link):

http://www.windowsxphome.windowsreinstall.com/installxpcdoldhdd/indexfullpage.htm

 

[BillW]

Thank you both very much. Based upon your valuable input, I was able to
successfully complete the clean install. Thank you again.

 

[Daave]

Thank you both very much. Based upon your valuable input, I was able
to successfully complete the clean install. Thank you again.

YW, Bill.

 

[JS]

You're welcome.