Just got it

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mark Corbelli
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Mark Corbelli

I just got my copy of xp pro and before I install it, a few questions. I
want the benefits of a clean install without the pain of re-installing all
my drivers, software, etc. Can this be done? I was thinking about installing
it "clean" as a second operating system then choosing it as the default. If
I have enough hard drive space, would this in essence give me the clean
install I want. There also seems to be an option that allows you to save
settings from "another" computer called the transfer wizard. So, could I
save my settings on the transfer wizard, then re-install them after I do a
true clean install? I'm not so much concerned about re-loading software as I
am the drivers and my cable modem and network settings.

Thanks
 
Mark Corbelli said:
I just got my copy of xp pro and before I install it, a few questions. I
want the benefits of a clean install without the pain of re-installing all
my drivers, software, etc. Can this be done? I was thinking about installing
it "clean" as a second operating system then choosing it as the default. If
I have enough hard drive space, would this in essence give me the clean
install I want. There also seems to be an option that allows you to save
settings from "another" computer called the transfer wizard. So, could I
save my settings on the transfer wizard, then re-install them after I do a
true clean install? I'm not so much concerned about re-loading software as I
am the drivers and my cable modem and network settings.
Click to expand...

To be perfectly honest, I would imagine that you would be best doing a
totally clean install. How old is your hardware? I.e. is Windows XP going to
have 'heard of it'. If so, then no worries, as everything will be set-up for
you, and you can then update drivers at your leisure.

Dual booting WILL give you a clean install, but you really do need to know
exactly what you are doing with it. In the days of 98/ME/2000, I managed to
mess up quite a few installs, and was left with nothing.

My best advice to you would be to back up your documents, AND your
OUTLOOK.PST file (I always used to forget that) if you use Outlook, and
attempt the dual booting option, safe in the knowledge that if it fails, you
have all your important stuff backed up.

HTH

JW
 
A clean install is just that, clean. It formats the drive (wipes it clean)
and installs xp. Anything on the drive would be gone. You would have to
install all programs and drivers again, but xp will install most, if not
all, your drivers for you. So if you want a clean install, you have to
reinstall your stuff.
 
Mark said:
I just got my copy of xp pro and before I install it, a few
questions. I want the benefits of a clean install without the pain of
re-installing all my drivers, software, etc. Can this be done? I was
thinking about installing it "clean" as a second operating system
then choosing it as the default. If I have enough hard drive space,
would this in essence give me the clean install I want. There also
seems to be an option that allows you to save settings from "another"
computer called the transfer wizard. So, could I save my settings on
the transfer wizard, then re-install them after I do a true clean
install? I'm not so much concerned about re-loading software as I am
the drivers and my cable modem and network settings.

Thanks
Click to expand...

You didn't supply the specs of your system, so it is hard to give anything
but general advice.
I suggest you take a look at the links supplied below and after preparing
your system for a Clean install, you first go with the upgrade. If it works,
and it usually does you will have what you desired in the above. The XP
upgrade is much improved from previous versions and in my experience I find
it hard to find any difference in reliability and stability. You will have a
larger footprint if you elect to save the uninstall files[recommended]. If
it doesn't, you are prepared for the clean install.
Click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into the address box
if using the web based newsgroup.
For upgrading to XP Home or Pro, see the links below.
http://aumha.org/a/xpupgrad.htm
XP Upgrade
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_2kupgrade.asp
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_9xupgrade.asp
See the link below for steps on performing a Clean Install.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
Known problems with XP upgrades.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/xpupgdissues.html
Known Problems with Clean installs.
http://www.labmice.net/WindowsXP/Install/installbugs.htm
 
I just got my copy of xp pro and before I install it, a few questions. I
want the benefits of a clean install without the pain of re-installing all
my drivers, software, etc. Can this be done? I was thinking about installing
it "clean" as a second operating system then choosing it as the default. If
I have enough hard drive space, would this in essence give me the clean
install I want. There also seems to be an option that allows you to save
settings from "another" computer called the transfer wizard. So, could I
save my settings on the transfer wizard, then re-install them after I do a
true clean install? I'm not so much concerned about re-loading software as I
am the drivers and my cable modem and network settings.

Thanks
Click to expand...

The biggest reason to do a clean install is that you really don't want those
driver and settings. Actually, doing a dual-boot may be an answer but it isn't
necessary. The install process of XP will assure you of almost all the drivers
that you will initially need in order to run. Some drivers, such as video and
sound card, you may have to download from the manufacturer's website but your
old drivers will not work with XP anyway.

I am also a Comcast subscriber and I have installed 9 Windows XP systems in the
last year. Each time the network settings have been done as a part of the
install process without a glitch. Just make sure your ethernet cable is plugged
in and let windows set it up. Comcast syncs with the modem and XP will adjust
your computer settings accordingly.

Few things are quite as nice as a clean install of XP. You will be pleased with
how well your computer runs without all the excess garbage that we all collect
over time. Feels brand new. Good luck.

Ed
 
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