XP Home Clean install

[Guest]

I have had XP home running on my pc for a couple of years. Recently I have
been getting many programs locking up and shutting down. Especially Itunes &
QuickTime which have seemed very unstable from the get go. I have been told
that my issues may be caused by a registry cleaner called CrapCleaner. I
have copied all my data files to a portable USB hard drive and I would like
to format the hard drive and reinstall XP from scratch. Where can I find a
good set of instructions to do this? Also, is there any way to save a
backup copy of my Outlook express contacts and email files before a fresh
install of XP?

 

[DL]

http://insideoe.tomsterdam.com/ for details on OE data
Assuming you have the xp cd, pop it in it will lead you through the process
You might try this first
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315341

 

[Guest]

Thank you. OE link was very helpful. Regarding the XP reinstall, I have
the XP disk / license # so I can do this. DOes the reinstall totally wipe
clean the hard drive and install XP onto a clean drive? I want to make sure
there are no remaining little gremlins after I am done.

 

[DL]

The repair install will simply reinstall/repair the win installation.
A clean install will destroy all!
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/316941/en-us
see clean install section.
After doing this you will need to install your mobo chipset drivers and
other drivers eg Vid.card, sound.card.
You either obtain these from manu.web sites or cd's supplied with your sys.
Do NOT use winupdate for drivers.