Unable to execute" WindowsXP clean install"

[JL]

Hi - I cannot do a "clean install" with Windows XP. Have used Windows XP in
the same pc since April, 2002. Time to do a clean install - suspect
rootkits,
sluggish pc and etc. Have attempted to do an install with backup Windows XP
CD and have attempted to boot from a cd drive but pc will not start from
backup pc. Have installed a SP2 version of Winnt32.exe aso that I can
bypass"Setup cannot continue because the version of Windows on your
computer is newer than the version on the CD." Now I attempt to create a
"clean WIndows XP" but as I am running the backup Windows XP "(step 3
preparation step) I receive message that setup was unable to download the
updated windows setup files". Windows setup allows one to skip this, which I
do,wand then proceed and receive about 40 files are missing. I continue and
then reboot and still have old Windows XP version. Ther must be aneasier
way??? As you tell I am a neophyte at this. Is ther a better way to go about
this? JL

 

[Ted Zieglar]

If you're a neophyte trying to do an advanced procedure, you should
thoroughly prepare yourself before you start. The web has a great deal
of information on how to perform a clean install of Windows XP. Your
computer manufacturer should have detailed instructions specific to your
model on their website.

Start here:

"Windows XP Clean Install"
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp

 

[Patrick Keenan]

Hi - I cannot do a "clean install" with Windows XP. Have used Windows XP in
the same pc since April, 2002. Time to do a clean install - suspect
rootkits,
sluggish pc and etc. Have attempted to do an install with backup Windows XP
CD and have attempted to boot from a cd drive but pc will not start from
backup pc. Have installed a SP2 version of Winnt32.exe aso that I can
bypass"Setup cannot continue because the version of Windows on your
computer is newer than the version on the CD." Now I attempt to create a
"clean WIndows XP" but as I am running the backup Windows XP "(step 3
preparation step) I receive message that setup was unable to download the
updated windows setup files". Windows setup allows one to skip this, which I
do,wand then proceed and receive about 40 files are missing. I continue and
then reboot and still have old Windows XP version. Ther must be aneasier
way??? As you tell I am a neophyte at this. Is ther a better way to go about
this? JL

The way to do a clean install is to first back up all your data, and verify
that the backups are valid.

Then, boot with the XP CD and go through the setup. When it comes to the
point where you are asked where to install, choose to format the partition.
This will ensure that there are no older files of any type on the drive.
then proceed normally.

HTH
-pk

 

[JL]

Greetings: Believe it or not I have 2 books with info., instructions from
Dell support, have backed up my files and have visited many MS support sites
and still find this difficult. But I accessed the suggested site below and
found it valuable. I made another attempt and surprisingly succeeded with
the reinstall . All previous data was removed. Only problem is that the
format options screen never appeared (or I missed it) and I am not sure if
the hard drive was formatted using NTFS file system as recommended. Also I
cannot access (locate) the MS firewall in Network Connections which makes me
wonder if SP2 is installed? I have updated WIndows with recent updates.
Also thanks for the reminder to partition my hard drive which insures a
clean install. I am still in "over my head" but am determined to
successfully complete the task correctly (I hope).
Thanks for the suggestions. I suspet I may attempt another reinstall of
Windows tomorrow and verify format is correct (NTFS).
Further suggestions and comments will be appreciated- Thanks again JL