Removing second installation of Xp

[Guest]

I have purchased Windows Xp to replace the version which came with my
computer when i bought it. I installed the software and now have two boot
options. I have followed suggestions on removing the unwanted boot without
success and feel the best option is to remove the new installation and start
again.

Also, I would like to retain my settings - how do i do this?

I am computer competent - but not an expert.

Thanks,

Iain

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

I have purchased Windows Xp to replace the version which came with my
computer when i bought it. I installed the software and now have two boot
options. I have followed suggestions on removing the unwanted boot without
success and feel the best option is to remove the new installation and start
again.

Also, I would like to retain my settings - how do i do this?

I am computer competent - but not an expert.

Thanks,

Iain

You write "I have followed suggestions on removing the unwanted boot
without success." What were these suggestions?

If you wish to retain your current settings, why would you want to
start with a new installation?

 

[Guest]

Ok. Semantics aside - i wish to revert to the set up i had pre installation.
I then want to replace the old version of Xp with the new one. Can you help
in ensuring i retain me existing set up so that all programmes continue to
work and i do not lose my data.

Thanks,

Iain

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

OK, things are now a lot clearer. There are three aspects to
your question:
a) How to preserve your personal settings.
b) How to preserve your applications.
c) How to re-install Windows.

You can preserve your personal settings like so:
- Reboot the machine.
- Log on under an admin account other than your own.
- Copy the folder "c:\documents and settings\iain" to a safe
location.
- Check that hidden files such as "iain\ntuser.dat" have been copied.

Your applications will be preserved if you install WinXP over
the top of the existing installation.

Whether you can, in fact, install WinXP over the top of the
existing installation I do not know. There are a number of
licensing restrictions that may prevent you from doing so.
Perhaps someone else can tell you how it works.

 

[Nepatsfan]

I have purchased Windows Xp to replace the version which
came with my computer when i bought it. I installed the
software and now have two boot options. I have followed
suggestions on removing the unwanted boot without success
and feel the best option is to remove the new installation
and start again.

Also, I would like to retain my settings - how do i do this?

I am computer competent - but not an expert.

Thanks,

Iain

For the problem with multiple Windows installations, take a
look at these articles:

I have two installations of XP on the same partition
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/xpfaq.html#20


How to remove a second installation of a Windows operating
system from a partition
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=888023

Once you remove the second installation, you need to run a
repair on the original XP installation. It sounds as if that's
what you were trying to do when you ended up with the second
installation. Keep in mind that this is not a procedure you
start from within Windows. You have to boot from the
installation CD in order to perform a successful repair. Also,
back up all your important files before attempting any
procedure such as this. You might also want to use the Files
and Settings Transfer wizard to backup your settings.


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

Good luck

Nepatsfan