Windows XP Pro Reinstallation Issues

[DJ Lievens]

A few months ago I accidentally opened a Rootkit on my computer. Besides
installing numerous viruses and trojans, the rootkit essentially killed all
administrative functions on my computer. I was able to get rid of the viruses
and trojans, however, I was unable to regain administrative functions.

I thus decided to back up all of my files and programs and to completely
reinstall windows, hoping to be able to get rid of all of my previous files,
programs, etc. Essentially, I want to start clean. I used to Windows
Reinstallation CD that came with my Dell Inspiron 6000 Laptop, however, My
system reinstalled windows on a separate partition, leaving all of my old
files and programs still intact. I tried formatting the other partition
through "My Computer" as well as using the format command in the recovery
console, however I have not succeeded.

I'd like to have one single partition, devoid of all of my previous files
and programs, and with Windows XP Pro newly installed... Can anyone help me?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Follow this procedure for installation:

The Windows XP CD is bootable and contains all the tools necessary
to partition and format your drive. Follow this procedure and allow
Windows XP to partition and format your drive:


NOTE: It would be best to physically disconnect all your peripheral hardware
devices, except the monitor, mouse and keyboard, before installing XP.


1. Open your BIOS and set your "CD Drive as the first bootable device".


===> Accessing Motherboard BIOS
===> http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm


2. Insert your Windows XP CD in the CD Drive and reboot your computer.
3. You'll see a message to boot to the CD....follow the instructions.
4. The setup menu will appear and you should elect to delete the existing
Windows partitions, then create a new partition, then format the primary
partition (preferably NTFS) and proceed to install Windows XP.


5. Clean Install Windows XP
http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html


[Courtesy of Michael Stevens, MS-MVP]


6. After Windows XP is installed, visit the Windows Update website
and download the available "Critical Updates".


7. After installing the critical updates, be sure and visit the support website
of the manufacturer of the computer to download and install any
available Windows XP compatible drivers, such as video adapter
and audio drivers.


8. If you happen to run into any installation difficulties, use the following resources:


How to Troubleshoot Windows XP Problems During Installation
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;310064


Troubleshooting Windows XP Setup
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_setup.htm


[Courtesy of MS-MVP Kelly Theriot]



--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Desktop Experience -
Windows System & Performance

---------------------------------------------------------------

A few months ago I accidentally opened a Rootkit on my computer. Besides
installing numerous viruses and trojans, the rootkit essentially killed all
administrative functions on my computer. I was able to get rid of the viruses
and trojans, however, I was unable to regain administrative functions.

I thus decided to back up all of my files and programs and to completely
reinstall windows, hoping to be able to get rid of all of my previous files,
programs, etc. Essentially, I want to start clean. I used to Windows
Reinstallation CD that came with my Dell Inspiron 6000 Laptop, however, My
system reinstalled windows on a separate partition, leaving all of my old
files and programs still intact. I tried formatting the other partition
through "My Computer" as well as using the format command in the recovery
console, however I have not succeeded.

I'd like to have one single partition, devoid of all of my previous files
and programs, and with Windows XP Pro newly installed... Can anyone help me?