Re-installing Windows XP?

Question

I have finally decided that I am going to re-install Windows XP.
I've had this computer now, for a while and it has been my first computer. Thus, I've made all my mistakes on this machine.

I would now, as a more advanced user, like to totally wipe out everything (save my folders to a CD) and re-install everything CLEAN like when I first got the PC. (then I will be adding some RAM and it will be like new, right :D?)

However I have lots of questions about this because I don't want to end up getting into any trouble here: 1. How? Do I simply insert the Windows CD and it will take care of everything? 2. Will Windows recognize everything? I did not set up this computer (bought from Dell). I have all these setup disks and stuff but will I need anything other than Windows CD? Or will it noticed my integrated CD/CD-RW, monitor etc, (I know Printer, Cameras will be deleted, right?)

I appreciate any help I can get, and any pertinent links to this situation. Thank~you!

3.) My computer didn't come with a floppy drive for some reason. Is it true that you need a floppy to do this? (If so, how does DELL do it originally?)
4.) Can I use my same software key like normal, to register XP?
5.) Are there any links to a site where I can view everything that will happen and that XP will ask me, that I can print out and follow along with?
6.) What other info must I have handy?
7.) What are the chances of the setup crashing or something and me never being able to use the computer?
8.) Hopefully, will I not have to do anything to the inside of the computer?
9.) I have only one program I don't want to lose, and that is because the program is (badly made) and requires a new activation key for each install. But, if I go into registry and copy registry values for it, and copy the programs folder and install, then reinstall later shouldn't it work?
10.) (and most important to me) Will this DELETE this old "version" completely???

Answer 1

Its a situation which almost all of us had been through. First computers are for learning the ropes, aren't they :)

Now that you have become an advanced user, its time to put things in order. Lets try the following in sequence, I hope it will help you put things back in thier place.

a. First, do take all the backups and ensure that you are not losing any data.

b. When you are done with the backups, insert Windows XP installation disk and restart the system. Change the BIOS settings to boot from CD rather then HDD.

c. Windows Setup will start and when asked, choose a Fresh Install and delete all your existing partitions. Repartition your hard drive.

d. The install will continue and when complete you will have a fresh system. Format the other partitions you created while setting up windows.

e. Now, your sound or printer might not work. For that insert your 'Device Drivers' CD and see if there are setup programs to set up your devices. Most of the devices come with thier own setups.

So, no Windows might not get all of your stuff in line, but you have the CDs to get the things done.

Happy windowing :)

Answer 2

Here are the steps to reinstall Windows XP:
Get the CD first. Then:

1. Back up any files, if possible.
2. Insert the Windows XP into your computer.
3. Follow the On-Screen Instructions.
4. One You have finished installing your OS, begin setting up Windows XP.
5. Activate Windows by following the On-Screen Instructions.

***Please Note that you have made a mistake and may ment Windows 95, 98, 2000, or Vista.

Answer 3

1.when you reinstall windows, you`ll answer to some questions like : ,,in which local disk drive do you want to install windows" or ,,What type of files do you want to use (NTFS or FAT)". You should use ntfs files because are newer. Then the computer will install something and will reboot. when it reboots, you have to select the boot ,,locations". it is cd-rom and you`ll change it to hard drive. then it will do all alone. it may ask you some simple questions about the zone where you live if it will sets the clock.
2. Yes, te printer, cameras drivers will be deleted, but there is no problem if you have got the cd`s to reinstall them. But be carefull. maybe you had a version of windows compatible with some programs and the version that you want to install won`t be.you must know that all informations, document from local disk c(or the partition where you `ve installed windows) will be deleted because the local drive will be formatted
you`ll need just the cd`s with the programs you want to install
u may make a backup of the files on hard-drive, too
remember! you`ll keep in your comp. the docs from other location than the partition you`ll format.

Answer 4

You will not be getting any more RAM by doing this as RAM is virtual memory and is consistent in size. You will be creating more hard disk space though and yes it will be back to how it was when you first got it.

The computer will recognise on booting the CD and will run itself with user friendly prompts for you to follow.

Everything will be deleted so save EVERYTHING to CD beforehand and make sure you have necessary installation disks etc for your printer, camera et al.

You do not need a floppy drive - they are now obselete and Operating Systems will not fit on floppies - it is all done on CD, XP has never been on a floppy disk.

Your Product Key will work as normal so long as it is the one supplied with the disk.

When you say "delete the old version" yes, it will completely restore it to how it was initially, back to the start - you are installing the Operating System from scratch - the old one will no longer exist.

Answer 5

I have made a short video to walk people through the XP installation process. As far as saving programs that are allready installed you will need to backup any registry keys and any files that may be associated with the program in the application data folder as well as the Program Files folder and any files that may have been added to the root folder (C:\Windows\system32) It may just be easier to reinstall the program and reactivate it. Here is the link to the video gude for reinstalling Windows XP. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf2Ffm33DhA It's a fairly simple process. Adding more RAM will increase the PC's Performance. You will need to make sure you purchase the right type for your computer. Go here and do a scan to find out what type you need and the max ammount your PC will take. http://www.4allmemory.com/index.cfm?pid=320&kwd=memory Go down and click on check my system. This will check your computer for max memory size allowed and the type you need to purchase and reccomend which ones to buy. You do not have to purchase your ram here though but this site will give you the information you need. for example my ram is PC3200 DDR SDRAM 400Mhz.
Installed ram is 1024MB (512MB x 2). Max allowed is 2048MB (1024 x 2)..

I hope this will help you. Good Luck

Answer 6

Ok, so you finished installing Windows. The reason you can't setup the dial-up connection is because you need to install the drivers for the modem, now, the missing files is another game, if you're working with your PC then you need to check what other drivers you need in order to make your PC runs smoothly, if there's still problems or you see a blue screen when you reboot your computer, then the best bet is to buy a new Windows in order to install the missing files. Be sure when you're installing Windows to reformat your HD for bad sectores to be restored or marked for windows to avoid using it.

Answer 7

Back up all your personal data FIRST. Then install more RAM.

Use only the Dell Recovery CD that came with your PC:

Insert the CD, then turn your PC on and follow the Prompts.

Then, copy your personal data back again.

Answer 8

i say sell you re computer and get a new one too complicated or just put everything on a CD that you need and get xp again using the xp cd

Answer 9

What kind of windows is it a recovery disk or retail?

Answer 10

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html