XP Re-install

mcfisco

Just about to re-install XP & had a few doubts
When I insert the disc it goes through the start-up screens etc. then tells me that the upgrade option is not available leaving me just the re-install.
Am I right in thinking that all my programs & settings will remain in tact?
I've backed up documents etc. but I was hoping to not have to re-install every app again.
From memory I'm pretty sure it'll be OK but the little 'doubt devil' is sat on my shoulder right now.

cheers

heatherw_01

If you reinstall you will lose everything on your machine, unless someone can say otherwise.

Lord_Chris

thats right. If you reinstall windows you must format your hard drive (NTFS)

if you want to reinstall, you have no choice. However if you already have XP on your machine, you can use the files and settings transfer wizard to save documents and your windows settings by burning them onto cd/dvd and then transferring them onto the new windows. However there is noway to avoid losing your programs, sorry.

files and settings transfer wizard:

start menu > programs/all programs > accessories > system tools > files and settings transfer wizard

hope this helps

B33fy

I must admit I thought a re-install does not lose your proggies and docs etc and this taken from the web seems to agree

"Sometimes the only way to repair XP is to reinstall. You do not have to wipe your partition and start over. Just as with previous versions of Windows you can reinstall right over top of an existing setup. This has the advantage of retaining your installed applications, data and settings. You will lose previously saved System Restore Points but System Restore will begin creating new restore points again immediately following the Repair Install. You will need to reinstall SP2 and any Critical Updates from the Windows Update Site."

But I would suggest waiting for further input in case I am wrong

Lord_Chris

hmm, i worked down a PC shop repairing computers and this is why i didnt mention this:

NTFS is the windows way of formatting your hard drive, if you reinstall windows over your existing windows WITHOUT running NTFS you are essentially running two versions of windows, and although only one will be active, this can cause serious problems and will definetly make your computer slower.

remember ALWAYS run NTFS, not NTFS (quick format) as quick format does not remove everything properly.

Is a slower computer really worth it to save you having to install a few programs?

mcfisco

Hmmm... cheers - it looks like I'll leave it for now then

I've been out & bought a genuine copy to replace the current iffy version I have but I haven't got the time or inclination right now to install everything again

Thanks again guys

mcfisco

OK - I did re-install but selected repair from the options
all my files, apps & settings remain intact :j

Quincy_3

Shame you havent got a manufacturers install disc with ghosting technology, way faster than and XP OEM install, whatever you decide to do in the future just make sure you backup once a week.

bartman

Glad you sorted it mcfisco. I was going to say that i have seen a utility available which allows you to change the Windows XP Pro serial number which was originally used on installation to a different one, without reinstalling.
It may be that if you have an iffy XP Pro disc (!) which you used when setting up your PC, you can subsequently change to a legit number if you have since bought the MS licensed product.
Does anybody know anything about this or am I talking complete garbage?

EasilyAggravated

if you reinstall windows as said above, you would need to delete the the partition it lists and then format in ntfs. this would wipe everything from your HDD. however if you are wanting to reinstall some missing files, just insert the disc and select upgrade. this runs through the setup process as it normally would with a clean install but just reinstalls all windows files. when its all done, all your programs and documents remain

mcfisco

The upgrade option wasn't available to me [I got a message telling me I must fully re-install]
So I just followed this guide & everything worked out well
http://www.windowsxpprofessional.windowsreinstall.com/installxpcdrepair/indexfullpage.htm