Need Help Formatting and Reinstalling Windows XP

P

patetc

I want to reformat my hard drive and reinstall Windows XP. I have the
XP CD. I have partitioned my hard drive into C and D drives but I
only want to format C and just leave D alone. Can this be done?

My reason for doing this is to clean up some applications that don't
work correctly and I've been unable to fix them. Reformatting at this
point seems to be my only option. I have already copied all the
directories and files to an external hard drive so I can reinstall
them easier.

Thanks for any help on this.

Pat
 
J

John John (MVP)

Just boot with the Windows XP CD and at the disk/partition selection
screen select the partition where you want to install XP and have the
setup program format the partition. Before you do this make sure that
you have your 25 digit Windows product key!

John
 
J

John Barnett MVP

See these links from my website:

http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how_do_i_format_my_hard_drive_us.htm

http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how_do_i_install_windows_xp.htm


--
--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
Windows Desktop Experience

Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org
Web: http://www.silversurfer-guide.com


The information in this mail/post 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/post. 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/post..
 
B

Bruce Chambers

patetc said:
I want to reformat my hard drive and reinstall Windows XP. I have the
XP CD. I have partitioned my hard drive into C and D drives but I
only want to format C and just leave D alone. Can this be done?


Certainly, provided you have a true installation CD and not a
manufacturer's OEM Recovery disk.

After backing up any data you wish to transfer to the new OS
installation, simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. You'll be
offered the opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part
of the installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order of
boot devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.) Simply make sure
that you select the correct partition for formatting.

HOW TO Install Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm

My reason for doing this is to clean up some applications that don't
work correctly and I've been unable to fix them. Reformatting at this
point seems to be my only option.


Well, it may be the easiest (and even once in a while the quickest)
method, but it's almost certainly not the only option.

I have already copied all the
directories and files to an external hard drive so I can reinstall
them easier.

I trust that you're referring to directories and files that contain
data only. It would do no good to copy program directories. You'll
have to reinstall each and every application from the orginal
installation media, in order to recreate the hundreds (possibly
thousands) of registry entries and to replace the dozens (possibly
hundreds) of essential system files back into the appropriate Windows
folders and sub-folders.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot
 

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