Can I Wipe C: (o/s) Drive - but keep all software from another partition?

[brianosaur]

I put XP on C: drive and partitioned another drive as P: (for programs)

I put all my software onto P: and left only C: for system files and a few 'my documents' stuff.

Now, months later, I am having numerous problems w/ XP and want to reformat and reinstall XP again. (rebuild previous XP doesn't work and hangs)

Is there anyway to reinstall a fresh XP and have it recognize all my software on the P: drive?

I am worried that if I copy my reg it will carry over all my existing XP problems to the fresh install.

Do you think that would happen?

OR can I somehow not import reg and NOT reinstall all my software??

Thanks

[Dark Nova]

What types of problems are you having? you could do a repair XP.

SInce all your programs are on another partition, your safe since you only format the partition with the OS on it, the other partition will not be touched

[brianosaur]

Originally Posted by Dark Nova What types of problems are you having? you could do a repair XP.

Well its mostly that I can not get explorer to stick to details mode. It is freaking me out something fierce. I tried searching & posting on this subject and tried the whole 'bags' thing. Kill 'bags', 'apply to all folders', check and/or uncheck 'remember each folders setting' ...blah, blah, blah ...didn't do squat. VERY FRUSTRATED.

Also I can't seem to run Regedit. It flashes a cmd console for two seconds and then shuts off. I have to use other software to get to the registry

Originally Posted by Dark Nova Since all your programs are on another partition, your safe since you only format the partition with the OS on it, the other partition will not be touched

yes that is why I did it, but wont a fresh install not have any of my software registered and not be able to run it.

[Panama Red]

Yes you can wipe C: and leave the other partitions unaffected. HOWEVER, none of the programs will work! The programs that integrate with the system registry will need to be reinstalled. That's why I quit putting programs on a separate partition - there's no advantage. Instead, move your My Documents folder with all the associated sub-folders to a different partition. That way if you need to reformat again, your documents will be unaffected. No other way than a complete format or a repair install.

[brianosaur]

KRRRRRRRRAAP!!!
Well at least I saved all my documents and data.

Oh how I love installing some 30 pieces of game and program software.

...should only take about seven minutes I guess. .....right?

[Panama Red]

Originally Posted by brianosaur Oh how I love installing some 30 pieces of game and program software. ...should only take about seven minutes I guess. .....right?

More like 7 HOURS!!! If it makes ya feel any better, you have my sympathy.

[brianosaur]

Originally Posted by Panama Red More like 7 HOURS!!! If it makes ya feel any better, you have my sympathy.

7 HOURS!! And here I was trying to think optimistically. Mind over PC right?! ....no, I do realize the time