It's Time

[Jim Baxter]

I am getting a lot of nagging little issues with my PC and am strongly considering doing a re-install of XP Home.

I have backed up all my data, Thunderbird mail addresses, and firefox bookmarks, and have all the software for a re-install.

I have an O.E.M. version of Windows xp Home edition. (no manual)
Do I just insert the disc and start the install process.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[Panama Red]

Yup, when it detects the old system and offers you a repair option, just say "no". Make sure to Delete the previous partiton(s) and reformat the C: partition to prevent a double installation.

[Jim Baxter]

I don't believe the hard drive is partioned. How do I verify that?
If I do a re-install, wouldn/t a refromat wipe out the new install?

You kind of lost me there Panama.

Thanks for the reply

[Statica]

Every drive must be partitioned before it can be formatted. It can either be partitioned into a single drive (which is probably what you're referring to) or it can be partitioned into multiple drives.

The best way to go about a reinstall would be to select the existing partition on your partitions list and then delete it off .. then recreate a new partition. A reformat would wipe out the old install, but for best results clean out the partitions and remake them.


http://www.theeldergeek.com/xp_home_..._-_graphic.htm has illustrated steps. Check figure 06 to see how to delete and create partitions.

[Cricke]

It's probably a bit tricky, but can't you create a partition just for XP, so you can keep all the rest of your data? So, when it's already installed, can't you just split your hard drive, so you can keep all the data and format the partition of XP, and reinstall. I'm a noob with partitions but, could it work?

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Jim Baxter I have an O.E.M. version of Windows xp Home edition. (no manual) Do I just insert the disc and start the install process.

This site is helpful.

Originally Posted by Cricke It's probably a bit tricky, but can't you create a partition just for XP, so you can keep all the rest of your data? So, when it's already installed, can't you just split your hard drive, so you can keep all the data and format the partition of XP, and reinstall. I'm a noob with partitions but, could it work?

Yes, you can create a smaller partition just for Windows and programs and another partition just for data.

Cricket

[Jim Baxter]

Does this partion option/requirement come up as part of the re-install or do I need some other
software to do it?

Thanks

[glc]

It's part of the setup. Read Statica's link. Figure 06 will show existing partitions in your case, delete them.