Re: Need Help Formatting and Reinstalling Windows XP
patetc wrote:
> I want to reformat my hard drive and reinstall Windows XP. I have the
> XP CD. I have partitioned my hard drive into C and D drives but I
> only want to format C and just leave D alone. Can this be done?
>
Certainly, provided you have a true installation CD and not a
manufacturer's OEM Recovery disk.
After backing up any data you wish to transfer to the new OS
installation, simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. You'll be
offered the opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part
of the installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order of
boot devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.) Simply make sure
that you select the correct partition for formatting.
HOW TO Install Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm
> My reason for doing this is to clean up some applications that don't
> work correctly and I've been unable to fix them. Reformatting at this
> point seems to be my only option.
Well, it may be the easiest (and even once in a while the quickest)
method, but it's almost certainly not the only option.
> I have already copied all the
> directories and files to an external hard drive so I can reinstall
> them easier.
>
I trust that you're referring to directories and files that contain
data only. It would do no good to copy program directories. You'll
have to reinstall each and every application from the orginal
installation media, in order to recreate the hundreds (possibly
thousands) of registry entries and to replace the dozens (possibly
hundreds) of essential system files back into the appropriate Windows
folders and sub-folders.
--
Bruce Chambers
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