Re-installing windows

[Guest]

If you re-install windows, will any other programs be lost with windows after
it is installed again?

 

[Will Denny]

Hi

What exactly do you want do? Reinstalling XP is a last measure. What
problems have you got with XP?

 

[Guest]

I've been having a few problems with spyware, adware, etc. and I don't
wish to have to pay money for an anti-spyware, adware, etc. program for a
computer that I only wish to use for gaming with my buddies. I thought it
would be a good idea to simply re-install the program that allowed such
objects to be downloaded on my computer, and perhaps the programs would leave
along with it.

 

[Will Denny]

Hi

Adaware ihas a free version available:

www.lavasoftusa.com

Try the free version and see what problems it clears up. There is a
Microsoft anti-spyware program available:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...a2-6a57-4c57-a8bd-dbf62eda9671&displaylang=en

If you do need to reinstall XP, the fllowing article by Michael Stevens will
help you to perform a 'Repair' install, which should retain all your
settings, programs and files:

"How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install"
http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

 

[Miss Perspicacia Tick]

I've been having a few problems with spyware, adware, etc. and I
don't wish to have to pay money for an anti-spyware, adware, etc.
program for a computer that I only wish to use for gaming with my
buddies. I thought it would be a good idea to simply re-install the
program that allowed such objects to be downloaded on my computer,
and perhaps the programs would leave along with it.

Then you're a ****witted moron. You have a PC you're online without an AVP,
without a firewall and without an ASP and you're surprised you're infected?
I bet you'd be surprised if you left your car unlocked and came back to find
it gone (car?! What am I talking about? There's no way you're old enough to
drive! For car read bike). If you were old enough to drive (which I
strongly suspect you're not) would you resent spending an extra £2,000 or so
on a model with an immobiliser?

I suggest that, if you don't want to protect your computer, that you sell it
and buy an XBox Live? Or a Playstation.

 

[Michael Stevens]

In

If you re-install windows, will any other programs be lost with
windows after it is installed again?

"Reinstalling" will retain your Program Files, but you will need to
reinstall the programs in there. My Documents folder will be lost, as well
as email messages, address books, etc. The Documents and Settings folder
will be replaced with a shiny new one.
If you do an inplace upgrade or a Repair Install, your applications and
settings and other data will be fine.
Click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into the address box
if using the web based newsgroup.
Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm
--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

 

[R. C. White]

Hi, Rexercist.

As Will and Michael have told you, there certainly are ways to reinstall
WinXP, with or without preserving your existing applications and data.

But you will soon be back into the same mess unless you start to "practice
safe hex". There are plenty of tips in these newsgroups - and elsewhere -
on how to do this, so I won't repeat them here. Look for the standard
response from Shenan Stanley; he posts it in these groups several times a
week; each message is generally over 20 KB and quite exhaustive.

There are many excellent free programs available to help you find and remove
malware - and to help you fend off attempts to install bad things on your
computer in the first place. Will has listed one of the best. Remember:
Very little malware ever gets into your computer without your help! And
with many "free" games, you get more(!) than you expect. :>(

RC