Removing OEM version & it's partition

[rosetiger8]

I have a OEM version that I want to remove- it reformats
with a heap of junky programs I no longer want, and some
XP features removed from it. I want to install a boxed
copy of XP....yep have to go and buy it.

I want to remove the partition it has 4gs, but the
partition is formatted in FAT32.

How do I remove the wasted 4gb and do I have to format it
(and how)in NTFS to install Windows XP on the whole of my
hard drive??

 

[Nictu MCP]

1.Boot of the new XP cd-rom
2.It will find the already installed OS and give you
options to install to a new location or remove the
partition and reformat. This is the time to make your
changes. Remove the partition and then go through the
process of creating a new full partition. Format it with
NTFS (more stable and secure) and then install away. Cheers

 

[rosetiger8]

Thanks for your reply.....
So the windows xp cd will do it all by itself then.

Do you have to *boot* from CD or start up the computer
and let the Windows XP disk Autoplay?

Next ?....I know that you may have to change the BIOS
settings for it to boot from CD so how do I do that?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Michael Stevens]

I have a OEM version that I want to remove- it reformats
with a heap of junky programs I no longer want, and some
XP features removed from it. I want to install a boxed
copy of XP....yep have to go and buy it.

I want to remove the partition it has 4gs, but the
partition is formatted in FAT32.

How do I remove the wasted 4gb and do I have to format it
(and how)in NTFS to install Windows XP on the whole of my
hard drive??

I take it this is a factory installed OEM version. What is the manufacturer,
and is the 4 gig partition you want to remove; the partition that XP is
installed; or is it where the files are located to restore the system? If it
is the latter, unless you have CD restore disks, you will not be able to
return your system to it's original shipped state and any tech support would
be voided by changing the configuration of the system. If XP is installed on
another partition other than the restore partition, you can delete that
partition install your fresh XP and leave the 4 gig partition intact for the
future.
Another option would be to replace the hard drive.
Check the link below.
Click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into the address box
if using the web based newsgroup.
Restore XP
http://michaelstevenstech.com/restore.htm
--

Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

 

[rosetiger8]

Yes, factory installed by Hewlett Packard.
The 4gig partition is where the files are located to
restore the system.

I really want to get rid of all the HP stuff and reformat
the whole drive and install a proper copy of XP. And just
backup using either Ghost or Drive Image rather than
going through the process of reinstalling and taking out
everything I don't want.

Getting restore disks from them is near impossible!


One restore partition is FAT32
The windows partition is NTFS

 

[Michael Stevens]

Yes, factory installed by Hewlett Packard.
The 4gig partition is where the files are located to
restore the system.

If the hard drive is large enough, leave the restore partition and do a
clean install to the current XP partition. This will still be a clean
install. Set the restore partition to hidden, you will not see the hidden
partition and will still have the option to restore to shipped state if
necessary.

I really want to get rid of all the HP stuff and reformat
the whole drive and install a proper copy of XP. And just
backup using either Ghost or Drive Image rather than
going through the process of reinstalling and taking out
everything I don't want.

You can do this and leave the restore partition.

Getting restore disks from them is near impossible!

Another reason to leave the restore partition.

One restore partition is FAT32
The windows partition is NTFS

Follow the steps below to do the Clean install. When setup prompts for
location, delete the partition XP is installed to ; leaving the restore
folder. Setup will then create and format a new partition to install XP
Clean.
You boot from the CD and do a clean install.
Click on or copy and paste the link below into your web browser address bar.
How to clean install XP.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

 

[rosetiger8]

I've been looking through your website, very informative.

OK, I have since contacted HP and now (after 1 year of
asking!) they are going to let me purchase the recovery
disc/s, now they tell me these discs will remove the
partition and reformat it giving me back the
space........and I can still turn it back to factory
shipped if I wish later on. (with tech support if needed)
And I can still save an image of what I have now, after
using their discs,in case of a disaster and reimage it
can't I??

You have given me a lot to think about, and I appreciate
your help.
Thankyou

 

[Michael Stevens]

I've been looking through your website, very informative.

OK, I have since contacted HP and now (after 1 year of
asking!) they are going to let me purchase the recovery
disc/s, now they tell me these discs will remove the
partition and reformat it giving me back the
space........and I can still turn it back to factory
shipped if I wish later on. (with tech support if needed)
And I can still save an image of what I have now, after
using their discs,in case of a disaster and reimage it
can't I??

You have given me a lot to think about, and I appreciate
your help.
Thankyou

You are welcome and glad I could help.

--

Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

 

[Alex Nichol]

I have a OEM version that I want to remove- it reformats
with a heap of junky programs I no longer want, and some
XP features removed from it. I want to install a boxed
copy of XP....yep have to go and buy it.

I want to remove the partition it has 4gs, but the
partition is formatted in FAT32.

How do I remove the wasted 4gb and do I have to format it
(and how)in NTFS to install Windows XP on the whole of my
hard drive??

You do it as part of the setup of the system after booting 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

 

[Jeffrey Struyk [MVP]]

Thanks for your reply.....
So the windows xp cd will do it all by itself then.

Do you have to *boot* from CD or start up the computer
and let the Windows XP disk Autoplay?

You put the CD in the drive when you boot your computer. If your BIOS
is capable and set properly, it will boot from the CD instead of the
hard drive.

Next ?....I know that you may have to change the BIOS
settings for it to boot from CD so how do I do that?

Look in your BIOS settings for something related to boot order. Make
sure that you have CD selected before a hard drive.