Clean Install

[Guest]

I am running XP Pro (SP2) current on a Compaq/HP nx9010 standalone notebook
with Plug and Play capability and access to the network via cable. I also
have an Iomega external/removable 80GB HDD.

I am preparing procedures to perform the inevitable Clean Install. I intend
to use the external drive for all back-ups and copies of things I want to
save and reinstall after the clean install. The external drive has two
partitions, E & F.

While reviewing all the procedures/information I could find I came upon the
recommendation to remove all equipment from the PC while performing the clean
install to avoid problems including losing the data on an external HDD.

My question:
If I disconnect the external HDD during the clean install will the system
recognize the drive and both partitions after the clean install?

My guess is I'm OK because I have had power failures, plugs unplugged, and
the drive deliberately disconnected while the PC was both on or off and had
no problems. I am hoping someone out there has done a clean install with the
backup device(s) disconnected and had no problems doing restores afterward. I
hope.

 

[Alias]

I am running XP Pro (SP2) current on a Compaq/HP nx9010 standalone notebook
with Plug and Play capability and access to the network via cable. I also
have an Iomega external/removable 80GB HDD.

I am preparing procedures to perform the inevitable Clean Install. I intend
to use the external drive for all back-ups and copies of things I want to
save and reinstall after the clean install. The external drive has two
partitions, E & F.

While reviewing all the procedures/information I could find I came upon the
recommendation to remove all equipment from the PC while performing the clean
install to avoid problems including losing the data on an external HDD.

My question:
If I disconnect the external HDD during the clean install will the system
recognize the drive and both partitions after the clean install?

Of course.

Alias

 

[John Barnett MVP]

As the external HDD is plug and play then windows should recognise it
without any problem. If the external HDD came with an installation disk
(these may contain drivers) then if Xp doesn't recognise the drive a window
will pop up asking to connect to Windows Updates to try to locate drivers.
If the HDD came with a driver disk then just insert the driver disk/cd and
follow the onscreen wizard to locate the drivers. These will then be
installed. You may not need to go throught this provedure, but i have
mentioned it just in case.

As for your partitions, they will be fine. Windows will recognise them as
soon as the external HDD has been recognised by XP

--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org

The information in this mail is supplied "as is". No warranty of any
kind, either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the
accuracy, reliability or content of this mail. The Author shall not be
liable for any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages
arising out of the use of, or inability to use, information or
opinions expressed in this mail..

 

[Plato]

While reviewing all the procedures/information I could find I came upon the
recommendation to remove all equipment from the PC while performing the clean
install to avoid problems including losing the data on an external HDD.

Good advice.

 

[Guest]

Thank you Alias, John Barnett MVP and Plato. I feel much better now.

 

[Plato]

Thank you Alias, John Barnett MVP and Plato. I feel much better now.

Often it's best to diss the pc and experience real life.

 

[John Barnett MVP]

You're welcome

--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org

The information in this mail is supplied "as is". No warranty of any
kind, either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the
accuracy, reliability or content of this mail. The Author shall not be
liable for any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages
arising out of the use of, or inability to use, information or
opinions expressed in this mail..