NTFS partitions Bios formatting

  • Thread starter Thread starter Lisa Go
  • Start date Start date
L

Lisa Go

I'm cleaning up a friends worn out computer. She has
Windows XP installed as a upgrade. Then it was formatted
afterwards to NTFS. I want to install more RAM and
possibly do a clean install. There is an update for her
BIOS. Should I install the memory cards first or do the
clean install first? Should I update the BIOS or not
mess with it? Should I partition the hard drive and if
so...how much? She only has 6.5 Gigs. Celeron 400Mhz. I
know this is really more than one question, but they each
effect one another...Sorry!
Thanks!
Lisa
 
1. Install the new RAM
2. Upgrade the BIOS to the latest version.
3. Delete all partitions and create just one partition.
4. Format the single partition NTFS.
5. Install Windows XP.
6. Download all available updates from the Windows Update website.
7. Performa Disk Cleanup.
8. Run a Check Disk.
9. Defrag the drive.
10.Install a good antivirus program and make sure to enable the Firewall.

The Windows XP CD is bootable and contains all the tools necessary
to partition and format your drive. Follow this procedure and allow
Windows XP to partition and format your drive:

NOTE: It would be best to physically disconnect all your peripheral hardware
devices, except the monitor, mouse and keyboard, before installing XP.

1. Open your BIOS and set your "CD Drive as the first bootable device".

===> Accessing Motherboard BIOS
===> http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm

2. Insert your Windows XP CD in the CD Drive and reboot your computer.
3. You'll see a message to boot to the CD....follow the instructions.
4. The setup menu will appear and you should elect to delete the existing
Windows partitions, then create a new partition, then format the primary
partition (preferably NTFS) and proceed to install Windows XP.

5. Clean Install Windows XP
http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

[Courtesy of Michael Stevens, MS-MVP]

6. After Windows XP is installed, visit the Windows Update website
and download the available "Critical Updates".

7. After installing the critical updates, be sure and visit the support website
of the manufacturer of the computer to download and install any
available Windows XP compatible drivers, such as video adapter
and audio drivers.

8. If you happen to run into any installation difficulties, use the following resources:

How to Troubleshoot Windows XP Problems During Installation
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;310064

Troubleshooting Windows XP Setup
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_setup.htm

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Kelly Theriot]

Description of the Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310312&Product=winxp

How to Perform Disk Error Checking in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315265&Product=winxp

HOW TO: Analyze and Defragment a Disk in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;305781&Product=winxp

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


| I'm cleaning up a friends worn out computer. She has
| Windows XP installed as a upgrade. Then it was formatted
| afterwards to NTFS. I want to install more RAM and
| possibly do a clean install. There is an update for her
| BIOS. Should I install the memory cards first or do the
| clean install first? Should I update the BIOS or not
| mess with it? Should I partition the hard drive and if
| so...how much? She only has 6.5 Gigs. Celeron 400Mhz. I
| know this is really more than one question, but they each
| effect one another...Sorry!
| Thanks!
| Lisa
 
Lisa....I would not flash the BIOS unless its going to fix some problem your
having....flashing can really screw up a chip if it goes bad.
 
1.Leave BIOS alone. However, check what are the changes or fixes in the
available BIOS upgrades; if the new BIOS version has fixed some bugs, and if
you have had those problems that the fix addresses, upgrade. Otherwise, if
it works, don't fix it - that since newer BIOS versions might address new
hardware (Prescott etc) which you do not have anyway.
2. Install the memory sticks first and see if they work.
3. You do not have enough space for more than one partition. XP + Office +
Page File+ Restore + RecycleBin + 15% for Defrag will eat up the 6.5GB
anyway. You can uninstall some XP components - Messenger etc.
Michael
 
That's what I was afraid of. I don't really think it was
the BIOS really effecting anything....just lack of RAM
and some old drivers etc. And she had Norton Anti-Virus,
Ad-Aware and all of the services running.
 
Do whatever you want with BIOS and memory but do not install XP on Celeron
400 unless you're a masochist (or sadist - this is not your computer).
 
-----Original Message-----
I'm cleaning up a friends worn out computer. She has
Windows XP installed as a upgrade. Then it was formatted
afterwards to NTFS. I want to install more RAM and
possibly do a clean install. There Should I install the memory cards first or do the
clean install first? Should I update the BIOS or not
mess with it? Should I partition the hard drive and if
so...how much? She only has 6.5 Gigs. Celeron 400Mhz. I
know this is really more than one question, but they each
effect one another...Sorry!
Thanks!
Lisa
.
Click to expand...
? "I want to install more RAM and possibly do a clean
install. There Should I install the memory cards first
or do the clean install first?" Memory can be installed
anytime, before or afterwards.

?" is an update for her BIOS"? ?"Should I update the
BIOS or not mess with it?" Go to the Motherboard
Manufacture via the "Web" and do a search for "Bios
Update" on the model of the Motherboard, Most of the time
the model number is written in the center of the board
between the PCI (white plastic) slots. Read what the
update fixes, you may not need it, also may add do this
before your clean install, if it has to be done with a
dos boot disk.

? "Should I partition the hard drive and if so...how
much? She only has 6.5 Gigs. Most installation of XP use
the entire hard drive. If you have no special reason to
segment the hard drive use the entire drive.
 
Just thought of something...I'm replacing her original
stick of memory too. So, that changes things...? And
what about backing up if I'm changing all of her memory?
I'm not going to touch the BIOS. And right now her hard
drive is half empty, so I don't think she's having a
problem with storage.
 
I totally know what you mean. All she has is an XP disk
though...so call me sado masochistic! LOL
 
Actually, I have it running pretty smoothly right now as
long as it's with minimal services etc.
L
 
1. Install the new RAM
2. Upgrade the BIOS to the latest version.
3. Delete all partitions and create just one partition.
4. Format the single partition NTFS.
5. Install Windows XP.
6. Download all available updates from the Windows Update website.
7. Performa Disk Cleanup.
8. Run a Check Disk.
9. Defrag the drive.
10.Install a good antivirus program and make sure to enable the Firewall.

The Windows XP CD is bootable and contains all the tools necessary
to partition and format your drive. Follow this procedure and allow
Windows XP to partition and format your drive:

NOTE: It would be best to physically disconnect all your peripheral hardware
devices, except the monitor, mouse and keyboard, before installing XP.

1. Open your BIOS and set your "CD Drive as the first bootable device".

===> Accessing Motherboard BIOS
===> http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm

2. Insert your Windows XP CD in the CD Drive and reboot your computer.
3. You'll see a message to boot to the CD....follow the instructions.
4. The setup menu will appear and you should elect to delete the existing
Windows partitions, then create a new partition, then format the primary
partition (preferably NTFS) and proceed to install Windows XP.

5. Clean Install Windows XP
http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

[Courtesy of Michael Stevens, MS-MVP]

6. After Windows XP is installed, visit the Windows Update website
and download the available "Critical Updates".

7. After installing the critical updates, be sure and visit the support website
of the manufacturer of the computer to download and install any
available Windows XP compatible drivers, such as video adapter
and audio drivers.

8. If you happen to run into any installation difficulties, use the following resources:

How to Troubleshoot Windows XP Problems During Installation
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;310064

Troubleshooting Windows XP Setup
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_setup.htm

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Kelly Theriot]

Description of the Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310312&Product=winxp

How to Perform Disk Error Checking in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315265&Product=winxp

HOW TO: Analyze and Defragment a Disk in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;305781&Product=winxp

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


| I'm cleaning up a friends worn out computer. She has
| Windows XP installed as a upgrade. Then it was formatted
| afterwards to NTFS. I want to install more RAM and
| possibly do a clean install. There is an update for her
| BIOS. Should I install the memory cards first or do the
| clean install first? Should I update the BIOS or not
| mess with it? Should I partition the hard drive and if
| so...how much? She only has 6.5 Gigs. Celeron 400Mhz. I
| know this is really more than one question, but they each
| effect one another...Sorry!
| Thanks!
| Lisa
Click to expand...


If someone hasn't already said it, 6.5 GB is really too small for XP.
It's probably slow, too. Get her a new disk, 20GB is plenty and it'll
be faster, too. I think a 7200 RPM 20GB disk will cost you about $50.

Don't partition it. Take all the defaults for pagefile. Make
the C drive NTFS.
 
Do whatever you want with BIOS and memory but do not install XP on Celeron
400 unless you're a masochist (or sadist - this is not your computer).
Click to expand...


IMO it will run OK as long as the user runs email, a browser, and
maybe MS Office. The installation will take forever.

Check the max memory the mobo will take. If it can't go to
256MB I'd recommend not sinking any money into it.

The following steps will make XP run better on an old machine;


The following services can be turned off;

Automatic Updates
Messenger Service
TCP/IP Netbios Helper
Wireless Zero Config (unless have a WiFI adapter in the machine)
Upload Manager
Task Scheduler Server
Error Reporting
Remote Registery
Server Service
Computer Browser

Turn off some of the GUI crap;

Start->Properties Select "classsic" IMHO

Start -> Control Panel > System -> Advanced
-> Performance -> Settings

Select "adjust for best performance"

Defrag your disk
 
But would the 400Mhz Celeron be able to handle that hard
drive?
-----Original Message-----
1. Install the new RAM
2. Upgrade the BIOS to the latest version.
3. Delete all partitions and create just one partition.
4. Format the single partition NTFS.
5. Install Windows XP.
6. Download all available updates from the Windows Update website.
7. Performa Disk Cleanup.
8. Run a Check Disk.
9. Defrag the drive.
10.Install a good antivirus program and make sure to enable the Firewall.

The Windows XP CD is bootable and contains all the tools necessary
to partition and format your drive. Follow this procedure and allow
Windows XP to partition and format your drive:

NOTE: It would be best to physically disconnect all your peripheral hardware
devices, except the monitor, mouse and keyboard, before installing XP.

1. Open your BIOS and set your "CD Drive as the first bootable device".

===> Accessing Motherboard BIOS
===> http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm

2. Insert your Windows XP CD in the CD Drive and reboot your computer.
3. You'll see a message to boot to the CD....follow the instructions.
4. The setup menu will appear and you should elect to delete the existing
Windows partitions, then create a new partition, then format the primary
partition (preferably NTFS) and proceed to install Windows XP.

5. Clean Install Windows XP
http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

[Courtesy of Michael Stevens, MS-MVP]

6. After Windows XP is installed, visit the Windows Update website
and download the available "Critical Updates".

7. After installing the critical updates, be sure and visit the support website
of the manufacturer of the computer to download and install any
available Windows XP compatible drivers, such as video adapter
and audio drivers.

8. If you happen to run into any installation difficulties, use the following resources:

How to Troubleshoot Windows XP Problems During Installation
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx? scid=kb;EN-US;310064

Troubleshooting Windows XP Setup
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_setup.htm

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Kelly Theriot]

Description of the Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en- us;310312&Product=winxp

How to Perform Disk Error Checking in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en- us;315265&Product=winxp

HOW TO: Analyze and Defragment a Disk in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en- us;305781&Product=winxp

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

-------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------


| I'm cleaning up a friends worn out computer. She has
| Windows XP installed as a upgrade. Then it was formatted
| afterwards to NTFS. I want to install more RAM and
| possibly do a clean install. There is an update for her
| BIOS. Should I install the memory cards first or do the
| clean install first? Should I update the BIOS or not
| mess with it? Should I partition the hard drive and if
| so...how much? She only has 6.5 Gigs. Celeron 400Mhz. I
| know this is really more than one question, but they each
| effect one another...Sorry!
| Thanks!
| Lisa
Click to expand...


If someone hasn't already said it, 6.5 GB is really too small for XP.
It's probably slow, too. Get her a new disk, 20GB is plenty and it'll
be faster, too. I think a 7200 RPM 20GB disk will cost you about $50.

Don't partition it. Take all the defaults for pagefile. Make
the C drive NTFS.
Click to expand...
 
Lisa,
You totally know what I mean and it doesn't mean "run smoothly after initial
setup".
Apparently everyone knows a lot of "specialists" who install XP on boxes
where W95 would be overkill. Then we're all wondering why IT people is
treated as cr... pardon, inappropriately :o)
 
Lisa,
You totally know what I mean and it doesn't mean "run smoothly after initial
setup".
Apparently everyone knows a lot of "specialists" who install XP on boxes
where W95 would be overkill. Then we're all wondering why IT people is
treated as cr... pardon, inappropriately :o)
Click to expand...


These days you've gotta apply patches, and MS isn't patching w/95
anymore. w/98 got a reprieve and will get updates for a couple more
years.
 
Make sure you buy compatible memory, have all sticks the same brand and same
RAM size, check if it should be installed in pairs, max. the mobo can
handle. It also depends what PSU the machine has - 128MB RAM need about 7-10
Watts, so, if you jump from, say, 32MB to 512MB RAM, the power consumption
might be significant and the system might become unstable.
If you change only the memory, you do not have to save files on another
media - if it does not start, simply put back the original memory. Having
backups, though, is a must for any system.
Michael
 
Lisa:

1.Install the RAM - more memory will speed up the installation.
2.Do not do a BIOS update unless there is a compelling reason, such as a new device needs this in order to function. Old engineering maxim 'If it works don't fix it'. My experience shows that more people trash their systems by screwing up BIOS than any other method.
3.Don't partition such a small drive, you'll loose storage space and restrict system functions. It's better to manually set Internet Cach size and System Restore file size after you complete the XP installation. Overall after Op Sys and Aplications and Data are on the disk, Windows works best with a minimum of 20% headroom - disk defrag won't function and you get into major disk thrashing problems.
4.Also consider buying a 40Gb HDD or 80Gb HDD [if motherboard can manage] before starting. Most systems with XP and Micosoft Office 2003 plus an anti-virus and other 'basic' requirements use about 4Gb of disk space.
 
And people look at the XP "system requirements" on the
box and think that's all they need. Until the 499999
services start running, device won't work etc etc. What
makes this worse is that it was done by the cable guy who
couldn't get her cable modem installed. So she paid him
under the table to "fix" her computer. There should be a
law....and I think there is one! LOL
 
I'm always surprised where these cable/TV and xDSL/telephone companies hire
their staff but I am not surprised anymore hearing the stories as such. The
guy comes to your house to fix dozen yards of coax cable coupled with
finishing connectors and you provide him the access to your baby without
references? LOL and ROTF.
 
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