Install XP Pro but keep D-partition?

[Guest]

I have one harddisk partioned like this:
C holds Windows and other installed programs
D holds a variety of folders containing music, photos and so on

My C-drive was or is still infected by spareware and the sytem seems
unstabil..

I´d very much like to totally clear the c-drive (thus also deleting any
spyware et cetera) and install XP Pro all over - but maintain the D-partition
as it is unaffected (keeping all my files).

I have seen a few manuals on how to do but would like to know:
1: Can I format the C-partition (drive), shut down and then install from
XP-cd?
2: Or will C-partition be totally cleaned anyway if I just install from
XP-cd without formatting first?
3. Also, when I come to the point during installation where I choose where
to install (in the c-partition if it´s still there or in "unpartitioned
space") should I "setup Windows on selected item" or "create a partition in
the unpartitioned space"?? .. I mean if for instance I format first then it
should show as "unpartitioned" and should I then just install or create a new
partition?? Ok, a little hard to explain.. hope you understand what I mean ;-)

I just want to be 100 % sure before I move on...
Hope you can help me or can direct me to a fool-proof guide to a clean
install that keeps my d-partition safe

Thanks a lot!
-Uffe

 

[Brian A.]

--

Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Shell/User }
Conflicts start where information lacks.
http://basconotw.mvps.org/

Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375

 

[Brian A.]

I have one harddisk partioned like this:
C holds Windows and other installed programs
D holds a variety of folders containing music, photos and so on

My C-drive was or is still infected by spareware and the sytem seems
unstabil..

I´d very much like to totally clear the c-drive (thus also deleting any
spyware et cetera) and install XP Pro all over - but maintain the D-partition
as it is unaffected (keeping all my files).

I have seen a few manuals on how to do but would like to know:
1: Can I format the C-partition (drive), shut down and then install from
XP-cd?

Not while your in Windows.
Make sure the DVD\CD drive is set as the drive to boot from first in the BIOS.
Boot with the XP CD in the drive and press Enter when you see "Press any key to
boot from CD".
You will be able to format the drive using the CD and reinstall.
Make sure you have all of your important data/files backed up first.

2: Or will C-partition be totally cleaned anyway if I just install from
XP-cd without formatting first?

The drive will still have it's data without using either FDISK or Format if
nothing goes wrong.

3. Also, when I come to the point during installation where I choose where
to install (in the c-partition if it´s still there or in "unpartitioned
space") should I "setup Windows on selected item" or "create a partition in
the unpartitioned space"?? .. I mean if for instance I format first then it
should show as "unpartitioned" and should I then just install or create a new
partition?? Ok, a little hard to explain.. hope you understand what I mean ;-)

Formatting a drive will not report it as un-partitioned, it will show as
unused/free space. Formatting does not remove partitions.

I just want to be 100 % sure before I move on...
Hope you can help me or can direct me to a fool-proof guide to a clean
install that keeps my d-partition safe

Have a good read here for different install scenarios:
How to install or upgrade to Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316941

--

Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Shell/User }
Conflicts start where information lacks.
http://basconotw.mvps.org/

Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375