Reformat/Reinstall WinXP - general procedure

[Guest]

I have two Windows XP computers, several years old. They're exhibiting a
growing frequency of applications not responding and other annoying
behaviors. I have all the latest XP updates plus virus/spyware protections.
As a way to improve the situation, I want to reformat my hard drives and
re-install Windows XP plus the applications I use.

Can anyone point me to a written step-by-step procedure for doing this? I'm
particularly interested in things like the proper sequence of steps, how to
restore application data outside of "My Documents" (e.g. e-mail) or any other
things I need to know.

One of the computers was originally Windows Me and I upgraded it to XP; the
other was purchased as XP.

I have a LinkStation network-attached storage device, so backing things up
is not a problem.

Thanks very much.

 

[Patti MacLeod]

Hi adel_coll,

Have a look here for preparation and instructions, information provided
courtesy of Michael Stevens, for performing a clean install of XP:
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
Make sure you check out the link for information about utilizing the File
And Settings Transfer Wizard (F.A.S.T.) that is included in the above URL.

If you have an "always on" connection to the internet (eg., cable), before
you perform the install, ensure that the modem is unplugged from the
computer, as Blaster or Sasser worm attacks may occur during the network
setup portion of the install. If Service Pack 2 is included in the version
of XP that you are installing, that Service Pack contains the critical
updates that protect against Blaster and Sasser. If Service Pack 2 is NOT
included, before you connect to the internet, enable the Internet Connection
Firewall before connecting:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=283673
Once you have the Internet Connection Firewall enabled and have connected to
the internet, either download and install SP2 from Windows Update or, at the
very least, install the separate critical patches:

Blaster
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...ae-a1ba-4d4a-b424-95d32cfc8cba&DisplayLang=en

Sasser
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...9E-DA3F-43B9-A4F1-AF243B6168F3&displaylang=en



Regards,

 

[Rock]

I have two Windows XP computers, several years old. They're exhibiting a
growing frequency of applications not responding and other annoying
behaviors. I have all the latest XP updates plus virus/spyware protections.
As a way to improve the situation, I want to reformat my hard drives and
re-install Windows XP plus the applications I use.

Can anyone point me to a written step-by-step procedure for doing this? I'm
particularly interested in things like the proper sequence of steps, how to
restore application data outside of "My Documents" (e.g. e-mail) or any other
things I need to know.

One of the computers was originally Windows Me and I upgraded it to XP; the
other was purchased as XP.

I have a LinkStation network-attached storage device, so backing things up
is not a problem.

Thanks very much.

Here is a link on information on how to do the clean isntall:

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

Others will jump in with recommendations on migrating your data. What
Email program are you using? One option is to use FAST, the Files and
Settins Transfer Wizard. Here is an excellent link for information on
using FAST:

FILE & SETTINGS TRANSFER
http://aumha.org/win5/a/fast.htm

 

[Guest]

Thanks both of you for your suggestions. I will check out those resources.

To the question on which email, one computer has Outlook Express, the other
has Outlook 2002.

 

[Patti MacLeod]

You're welcome



Regards,