Old system still on computer

  • Thread starter Thread starter Doug
  • Start date Start date
D

Doug

I installed XP Home as per the disc. I even had it
change from fat32.

The system works fine. Although I noticed that the
computer still has all of the old operating system files
saved, ( all the program files, my documents, etc. ).
Although they are not accessable through the normal
chanels, ( program files, etc. ). I can see them when I
go to my computer C drive.

It seems that XP makes a backup of all of your old system
just in case I change my mind and want to go back to the
old operating system. I don't want any of the old files
at all. They take up too much space and will probably
confuse the computer at some point.

I was told to not do a "format c:" like we used to do
with the other installs. I did insert the disc and
followed the instructions.

What should I do to remove all of the old system and have
a fresh system to work with?

Doug
 
I would suggest starting over from scratch and perform the installation
of Windows XP correctly:

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 all 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. ==> Immediately after installing Windows XP, turn on XP's Firewall.
==> http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

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

8. 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.

9. 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]

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

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

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


| I installed XP Home as per the disc. I even had it
| change from fat32.
|
| The system works fine. Although I noticed that the
| computer still has all of the old operating system files
| saved, ( all the program files, my documents, etc. ).
| Although they are not accessable through the normal
| chanels, ( program files, etc. ). I can see them when I
| go to my computer C drive.
|
| It seems that XP makes a backup of all of your old system
| just in case I change my mind and want to go back to the
| old operating system. I don't want any of the old files
| at all. They take up too much space and will probably
| confuse the computer at some point.
|
| I was told to not do a "format c:" like we used to do
| with the other installs. I did insert the disc and
| followed the instructions.
|
| What should I do to remove all of the old system and have
| a fresh system to work with?
|
| Doug
 
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