How can I boot off the WinXP CDROM, format my drive and install

[Bob O.]

I currently have a PC that as a single unpartitioned hard
drive. It has been running Windows Me (insert neck for
choking here...) and I want to get it to Win XP.

It looks like the installation lays Win XP over the
existing filesystem that was there when installing. I
would like to basically clean my disk completely and
start from scratch.

I want to know how I can format the hard drive, without
the existance of a second drive, and install Win XP.

Thanks for any help I can get.

-Bob

 

[Mike Kolitz]

Here's an excellent walk-through of how to do a clean installation of
Windows XP from the CD.

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp

 

[Guest]

As with all installations: please make sure that you update your anti-virus application first: then perform a full system scan before installaing any new applications or operating system: be it a clean installation or upgrade. Older Norton AV will not run under XP.

If you buy the Upgrade Version, just insert the XP CD whilst running Me.

First thing you should do is run Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to backup all the information unique to your use of the PC. All you data [docs, xls files etc], plus any specific username, password infor for email, internet access, online banking.

Run the Compatibility Wizard and you will get a report of what Applications or Hardware need attention. Some apps may need to be upgarded and you may have to download XP drivers for some Hardware. A very good 'checkup' that is a MUST to ensure you minimise stress and get a working system again.

Once you have reviewed this step and are satisfied that you can proceed and have a working pC, then choose to install XP.

Again do this under Me, you will be prompted for file conversion to NTFS - do this only if you want to - and also if you want to format the hard drive and perform a clean installation.

Remember a clean installation will delete everything. You will need to reinstall applications and restore any data [use files and settings tranfser to imprt the file you created in the first place].

Thus the Upgrade installation is more efficient.

 

[Mike Kolitz]

Good points, BAR.

Also, before you even *think* about connecting your computer to any
network - especially the Internet - you should make sure that the Internet
Connection Firewall is turned ON.

--
Mike Kolitz MCSE 2000
MS-MVP - Windows Setup / Deployment

As with all installations: please make sure that you update your
anti-virus application first: then perform a full system scan before
installaing any new applications or operating system: be it a clean
installation or upgrade. Older Norton AV will not run under XP.

If you buy the Upgrade Version, just insert the XP CD whilst running Me.

First thing you should do is run Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to
backup all the information unique to your use of the PC. All you data
[docs, xls files etc], plus any specific username, password infor for
email, internet access, online banking.

Run the Compatibility Wizard and you will get a report of what
Applications or Hardware need attention. Some apps may need to be
upgarded and you may have to download XP drivers for some Hardware. A
very good 'checkup' that is a MUST to ensure you minimise stress and get a
working system again.

Once you have reviewed this step and are satisfied that you can proceed
and have a working pC, then choose to install XP.

Again do this under Me, you will be prompted for file conversion to NTFS -
do this only if you want to - and also if you want to format the hard
drive and perform a clean installation.

Remember a clean installation will delete everything. You will need to
reinstall applications and restore any data [use files and settings
tranfser to imprt the file you created in the first place].

Thus the Upgrade installation is more efficient.

Here's an excellent walk-through of how to do a clean installation of
Windows XP from the CD.

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp