Windows XP Pro

[rbarrows]

I installed this about three months ago. It is riddled
with corrupted files, and I want to start over using my CD

I plan to back up, format the hard drive, and then re-
install.

Any tips? I've never done this before.

Thanks

RWB

 

[-xiray-]

I installed this about three months ago. It is riddled
with corrupted files, and I want to start over using my CD

I plan to back up, format the hard drive, and then re-
install.

Any tips? I've never done this before.

Have all your original application CDs handy.

Prepare yourself by downloading all the current video, sound, and
device drivers for other misc peripherals and burning them on a CD.

Unplug any unnecessary peripherals, like scanners, cameras, mp3
players, printers. Keep only the speakers, keyboard, mouse and
monitor.

Once WinXP is reinstalled: Go to the Windows update site and install
the critical updates. Once that is done. Then install a default
printer. Then start connecting the misc peripherals and installing
drivers. Then install applications starting with basic system-wide
stuff like your antivirus program and firewall followed by basic
applications (like MSOffice).

FYI, Reformating the disk and reloading Windows takes a little over an
hour, during most of which you can go out for a burger. Its all the
other applications that really takes time.

 

[Alex Nichol]

I installed this about three months ago. It is riddled
with corrupted files, and I want to start over using my CD

I plan to back up, format the hard drive, and then re-
install.

Any tips? I've never done this before.

First backup data files, externally. to help use 'F A S T' - read Gary
Woodruff's article on Files and settings Transfer at
http://aumha.org/win5/a/fast.htm

Then do it as part of a reinstall of the system after booting the XP CD
direct. Enter Setup, and after the license agreement take New Install.
When it asks you to confirm where, hit ESC; select and delete the
current partition and make a new RAW one to be formatted at the next
stage

The important point is the delete. Without that it will just go ahead
and make a new install over the top of the old one