reformatting questions

[Guest]

I just reformatted my win/xp. I notice that all my programs files still exist. But they don't show up on start-all programs. They don't show up one add/remove programs either. I do see the thru windows explorer. When I try to run a old program with a disc it doesn't reconize the files and ask to install. On the install it finds the fold and ask to copy over it. So its like the files are not there yet they are taking ups space. Can I just delete the files and if so are there ones I shouldn't?

 

[Phil]

You didn't do the format correctly. If you did no files would remain. Sounds
like you just loaded a new xp on top of your old, leaving the old program
files. But with a new registry that does not include the keys for these
programs they now don't work. I would start over with the format.
*Warning - you will lose all data*

Boot to the xp cd and follow the on-screen instructions. The cd is bootable
and has all the tools to format and install. Make sure you choose to format
the drive and convert to ntfs if you want(recomended).

Or,

Boot to a win9x floppy boot disk, run Fdisk, delete partitions, create new
partitions, reboot to boot disk again, run format, boot to xp cd. (or reboot
to xp cd, format, install xp). Get boot disk here: www.bootdisk.com

 

[Phil]

"Boot from the xp cd" means to put the xp cd in the cdrom tray and reboot
the computer. The xp cd is bootable and if your bios is set to cdrom for the
first boot device it will boot to the xp cd. Once booted to the cd, choose
to install xp and read all instructions on the screen. It will give you the
option to format the drive, convert to ntfs, and then it will install xp. If
you just insert the cd while in windows you can clean install or upgrade.
Choose clean install. Either way should work.

 

[Alex Nichol]

I just reformatted my win/xp. I notice that all my programs files still exist. But they don't show up on start-all programs. They don't show up one add/remove programs either.

In that case you did *not* reformat, only thought you did, And have
however made a new registry without any of the references to the
programs.

I'd make sure you have data backed up, then do it again - making sure
this time. Boot the XP CD direct. Enter Setup, and after the license
agreement take New Install. When it asks you to confirm where, hit ESC;
select and delete the current partition and make a new RAW one to be
formatted at the next stage

The important point is the delete. Without that it will just go ahead
and make a new install over the top of the old one, as you did earlier

Be sure to have the Firewall enabled before you go on the net, even for
an instant