Safely installing a backup of XP

  • Thread starter Thread starter Lee
  • Start date Start date
L

Lee

I had my XP installation blasted to shreds once before,
and would like to install a second copy in case the
current one gets damaged. The current installation resides
in folder WINDOWSX. The old corrupt one is still taking up
space in folder WINDOWS. (I use only one partition.)

I thought all I had to do was run a fresh installation,
targeting a new folder (or maybe the old, corrupt folder),
but when I began the process from the XP CD, I got a
warning about files potentially being lost. I don't want
to create more problems than I solve, so I need to know if
I can do a second, backup install safely, and would also
appreciate any tips (aside from doing a backup, which I
will) before I commit.

Thanks very much.
 
You're right that a backup of your system will provide you with some
insurance, but you must use a backup program to backup your system to cds, a
second hard drive or another media. Having multiple windows directories
simply takes up space.

You may be able to simply delete the corrupted windows directory if is not
used for anything.

Then use a backup program to backup to an external media.

Paul Riemerman
 
-----Original Message-----
You're right that a backup of your system will provide you with some
insurance, but you must use a backup program to backup your system to cds, a
second hard drive or another media. Having multiple windows directories
simply takes up space.
Click to expand...

I have backed up, to both CDs and a second hard drive.

What I need to know is whether there is any risk in
installing a second copy of Windows XP, in case my first
becomes unbootable.
 
And just where would you put it?

To legally have a 2nd installation of XP you'll need another license.

Since you have a 2nd HDD buy an imaging program. Write an image of the install to the 2nd HDD or CD (takes longer) then if your install gets hosed you restore the image and you're back in business. I use True Image from www.acronis.com.

--
Just my ¢ worth
Jeff
__________in response to__________
|
| I have backed up, to both CDs and a second hard drive.
|
| What I need to know is whether there is any risk in
| installing a second copy of Windows XP, in case my first
| becomes unbootable.
 
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