Need to install XP but need to know partition will remain in tact

[Guest]

I have had major issues with my XP install and need to fomat and reinstall
Windows XP Home to drive C: my drive has 3 partitions C, D and E. D is where
all my backed up photos of me and my girlfriend are and all my music and i
NEED to keep D in tact. If i format C and install XP on C can someone tell me
if D will remain in tact AND be accessible when i eventually get back onto
Windows. Thanks.

 

[Guest]

As long as you are not repartitioning your drive and not formatting D: or E:,
your information should stay intact on those logical volumes.

 

[Guest]

How can i be sure i am not repartitioning? When i get the option to format C
do i just do it, then install XP on C. I really dont want to loose anything

 

[Guest]

You would have to run a seperate disk utility, fdisk, to repartition, so you
are only formatting. Just format C: and reinstall XP on C:. Your data on D:
should be just fine.

 

[Kerry Brown]

If you follow this method there is a good chance that your partitions will
end up with different drive letters than they have now. The data will still
be there but the partition may no longer be called D: and the the system
partition may not be C:. Fdisk does not understand NTFS so this method will
get you a FAT32 partition. Another point is that fdisk is a partitioning
program not a formatting program. You would have to run fdisk, delete the
partition, create a new partition, exit fdisk, format the new partition.
When installing Windows all partioning and formatting should be done within
the installation process.

Kerry

 

[HeeroYuy]

How can i be sure i am not repartitioning? When i get the option to format
C
do i just do it, then install XP on C. I really dont want to loose
anything
on drive D.

When booting off of the Windows XP CD, you'll get to a point where you'll
see your 3 partitions. Make sure that C: is highlighted (don't use the arrow
keys, just hit the D key). Follow the instructions to delete the partition.
Then, once the partition is deleted, you'll see Unpartitioned space, D, and
E as your options with Unpartitioned space highlighted. Simply hit enter and
it will ask you what format (NTFS (quick) or NTFS) you wish to have on the
drive. It's that easy, and really can't be screwed up unless you don't pay
attention and accidentally hit an arrow key before deleting your partition.

 

[Guest]

I would do as you stated. That is only reformat "C" drive and reinstall
Windows.
I wouldn't delete partition. I think you would have better chance of keeping
drive letter designation that way.

So install win XP Cd and boot from CD. Perform "Clean Install".
Only format and install XP on existing partition.

Perform Clean Install
Note: Setup will recognize your previous installation. DO NOT chose to
repair it.
You want a "Clean Install"!!! I would just format partition. not delete
partition.

After you have backed up all your important information, follow these steps
to install Windows XP:
1. Start your computer from the Windows XP CD-ROM. To do this, insert the
Windows XP CD-ROM into your CD drive or DVD drive, and then restart your
computer.
2. When you see the "Press any key to boot from CD" message, press any key
to start the computer from the Windows XP CD-ROM.
3. At the Welcome to Setup screen, press ENTER to start Windows XP Setup.
4. Read the End-User License Agreement, and then press F8.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen to select and format a partition
where you want to install Windows XP.
6. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete Windows XP Setup.

 

[Guest]

Thanks guys ive done it and D remained and i got all my pics back safely!