clean install vs. restore image

  • Thread starter Thread starter xfile
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xfile

Hi,

I understand this is an "old" topic but I'd appreciate if someone could help
me on the final decision.

In any case, going to upgrade to a larger HDD for the notebook (which is
under repair now) but still could not make up my mind for one of the
following two methods:

(1) A clean installations: Use slipstreamed XP Pro + SP2 and install all
applications again.

(2) Use restore image or copy drive by using Ghost 9.


For (2), I guess this is the fastest and efficient approach and will retain
everything I have established (including cookies, stored passwords,
settings, etc.) in the past 3 years of using the computer.

However, I also learned (presumed correctly) that Windows tends to slow down
as time goes by for corrupted registries, so many updates, and same for
other applications as well.

For (1), I hate this approach since it take time and I have to import many
settings including Outlook email accounts and so on, so on. But the
advantage of this approach, I guess is that I'd have a relative "clean"
system again, and performance should be much better (although the system was
doing not so bad before its power got problem).

So appreciate if someone could also provide me with different perspectives
and/or advises about which of the two, or maybe other approaches, will be
the best for my case.

PS: I am not worried about "data files" as they can be moved relatively
fast.

PS2: Just in case you also know, does 7200 RPM notebook HDD really
outperform 5400 with a "noticeable" differences?

Many thanks in advance.
 
However, I also learned (presumed correctly) that Windows tends to slow
down
as time goes by for corrupted registries, so many updates, and same for
other applications as well.
Click to expand...

Not true unless the registry has malaware / trojan entries, it was true with
win 9*
Likewise using a registry cleaner has no effect on the performance of winxp,
other than if you delete the wrong items it will cause an app or xp to fail
 
Hi,

Just do the image, it's quicker and easier than starting clean.
However, I also learned (presumed correctly) that Windows tends to slow
down as time goes by for corrupted registries, so many updates, and same
for other applications as well.
Click to expand...

Wholly untrue, performance degradation is caused by bloat from malware and
garbage allowed to load at system startup. Keeping the upper hand on your
system will keep it running as fast or faster than the day you installed it.
PS2: Just in case you also know, does 7200 RPM notebook HDD really
outperform 5400 with a "noticeable" differences?
Click to expand...

Most will never notice any appreciable difference in response time, as most
do not stress their systems that much. Faster response times are needed for
intensive applications, not for general-use machines.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
 
Hi,

Many thanks for both questions, and I guess I'll either use image or copying
drive functions of the Ghost 9.

And for the drive, I can save some $$ for maybe more space rather than
faster speed.
 
Hi,

Thanks. I guess my system is pretty much clean, as I installed every single
update of Windows and applications running in it.

Firewall and anti-virus are consistently on and scan with Spybot and
Ad-aware (Windows Defendant - sometime) once every week.

So I guess my knowledge is outdated but glad to know that using image is
much easier and won't have adverse effects.

Thanks again.
 
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