Reinstallation advise

  • Thread starter Thread starter Newsie
  • Start date Start date
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Newsie

Hi, it's pretty much been determined that my system needs an overhaul.
Spyware/malware/adware has done a number on it. Updating to SP2 did an ever
bigger number, I had to manually remove it, now half of the dlls are
missing.

My question, is there a link, or can you advise me the best and safest way
to reformat and reinstall. I hope this isn't a problem but I only have the
upgrade to XP.

thanks
 
I am telling you the method that I use. See, if this one helps you also:

1. First of all, I move the data from the partition where Windows is
installed. For instance, if Windows is installed on C Drive then I backup my
important data to another partition. You can also take backup on some
removeable device like CDs.

2. Especially, if I have more than one user account on my PC then I copy the
files from Documents & Settings Folder as well.

3. Before clean reinstallation, you must prepare your cd-kit. Do you have
Windows XP Bootable CD. If not then do you know how you can clean boot your
computer from another alternatives. Furthermore, do you have all the drivers
required after installation like Sound, Display, INF etc.

4. If you have a bootable CD then boot from CD. When you will ask for the
partition where to install Windows choose it carefully. Setup will also
detect the previous version installed and will ask you to repair it. If you
want a clean installation don't try this. I will recommend you to format the
partition when the setup will ask you instead of leaving it as it is. You
must be sure that the partition you are going to format doesn't contain any
data (only the corruptted window). Choose the File System as per your
requirement NTFS or FAT32.

5. After a fresh installation prepare yourself for everything like Drivers,
Setting Internet, Network (If any) and other utilities and softwares you were
using before.

6. Read this article: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=316941

Let us know, if this information is useful to you.
 
since you have an upgrade you will require the qualifying version cd, if you
havent got it, you cannot clean install
 
Raj, thanks for the info, one question, I only have an upgrade XP disk. And
the drive is not partitioned. Will I be able to partion it at some point?

thanks again
 
Newsie said:
Raj, thanks for the info, one question, I only have an upgrade XP
disk. And the drive is not partitioned. Will I be able to partion it
at some point?
Click to expand...

Yes, before the install. But that doesn't help you move your data to another
partition if you don't have another partition already! Windows natively
won't create a partiton out of already partitoned HDD space, you will need
third-party software to do that.
 
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