Upg XP Pro Trial to "real" XP Pro

[Xan]

I am running a 120 day trial version of Windows XP Pro
(was in a hurry and could not find my purchased full
version of XP Pro). I plan to replace the trial with
the "real" thing within a week or so. The 2nd MS rep I
talked to (after asking a 3rd) told me I could NOT simply
upgrade, and must perform a clean install.

I have no problem with that since I believe it is a good
idea to perform a clean install once or twice a year.

Any advice about the easiest and/or fastest way to save
my important files (my docs, favorites, media, etc.) on a
WD USB external HD. I don't care for XP Pro's backup
utility, and don't really want to backup my 2 internal
HDs -- just some unique personal files. After installing
my full version of XP Pro OS, I want to re-install clean
versions of MS Office, and other apps like Adobe and
Macromedia from the discs I purchased.

Thanks for any advice.
Xan

 

[wojo]

I don't know what equipment you have but I burn my backups on a DVD 4.7GB of
space is usually more than enough for such backups.

 

[Guest]

Good point re: equip...the oldest of 3 - a Dell P3
desktop (a real workhorse comps of my co.). Its only R/W
capabilities are to CD, 2 internal HDs or 1 External USB
HD (WD 120GIG w/out any backup software). Thanks 4 the
reply & reminding me to use AddressGuard.

 

[wojo]

Well with that many drives on your system I would recommend just moving the
files you want to keep backed up onto a different drive (either one will do)
and then do a clean install on C:

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[Spinner]

No offense wojo, but your just suggesting the OP do what he said he was
going to do in the first place, when what he asked was the "easiest and/or
fastest way" to do it.

 

[wojo]

--
If I can help you I will.
If you can help me thanks.
(e-mail address removed)
TO Email: Remove "SPAM" without the quotes

No offense wojo, but your just suggesting the OP do what he said he was
going to do in the first place, when what he asked was the "easiest and/or
fastest way" to do it.

No offense taken. What I am telling him, and maybe I didn't detail enough,
is to simply drag them to the other drive and that would be the fastest and
easiest way.