Need to re-format PC - help

Debt_Free_Chick

My suggestion .....

Go to Start/All Programs. Look very carefully at that list and make a note of all the programs you want to use, after you've reformatted the drive.

Make sure that you either have an installation disk for each program; or that you have a set up file, downloaded from the internet (for free programs like AVG, Zone Alarm, Adobe reader etc ...). If you don't have the set up files for the free progs, either dowload them now - and then save them to your backup media - or make a note to download them after you've reinstalled XP.

Copy your Favourites file to your backup.

Run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard - when prompted this is the old PC.

Make sure you have the installation disk for your broadband connection and the password for your router.

Make sure you have the relevant details, including password, for your email account.

Make sure you have the installation disks for any hardware - eg scanner, printer, USB hub etc ..... Or that you've downloaded the drivers and saved them either to your backup or burned them to CD.

Make sure you have the login details for all relevant internet sites e.g. your username and password for MSE!

Check what version of XP is on the disk ... does it include SP2? If not, try to get an SP2 disk (otherwise you'll have hundreds of Windows Update to download!).

When you're ready to go - double check you've backed up everything. Where are you backing up to? Make sure it's not a partition of the existing drive!!!

Check the backup - do a trial restore and make sure everything is there.

What backup program are you using? If not Windows, then make sure you have the installation disk for the backup program - you can't restore without it.

Definitely ready to go? Put the XP installation disk in the CD drive. Reboot the PC. follow the instructions .... Microsoft have some guidance. Or put

clean install xp

into Google for some other advice.

Once XP is reinstalled, apply SP2.

Set up Broadband and use Windows Firewall - connect to Windows Update and run that first.

Restore your backup, connect your hardware and install the drivers.

Install & configure your firewall, AV, anti-spyware programs and update them.

Run the Files & Settings Transfer Wizard, choosing "This is the new PC" when prompted.




All this is very brief ...you'll need to do some more research on anything you're not familiar with. The most important thing is your backup, however. Once you reinstall Windows, get it updated, get your PC secure and make sure you can connect to the internet. Once you've done that, you can come back for any other specific help you need.

HTH

dikvdyke

Hi Fuzzy, Have you got this one sorted? There's an absolute beginners guide to security and viruses.It's the bible on setting up re-starting your computer. Even I could understand it!

Debt_Free_Chick

dikvdyke wrote: »

Hi Fuzzy, Have you got this one sorted?

He only posted 24hrs ago. My guess is he's still downloading Windows Updates .......


:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Debt_Free_Chick

aardvarkuk wrote: »

Shame he didnt slipstream nLite anyone?

I did consider suggesting that but ...... if you've never done a clean install, I wondered if it was adding too much to an already steep learning curve.

(Waiting for a new HD to turn up for my PC so I can get on with it, too!)

ukmike

you ought to have tried DOS and win 3.1

Win 3.1?I use to dream of win 3.1 when using win 2.1,you don't know you're born.Tell that to the kids today & they won't believe it.

davetrousers

I always buy a new HDD when I have done this in the past (they are so cheap these days), this means that I get a fresh install and my old HDD still has my files on it (photos, MP3s etc.) so you have a sort of back up.

Fuzzy_2

Hi everyone!

Thank you so much for all your advice, and I haven't had time to start this yet, apparently it's good to set aside a day for this job, so will have to be the weekend. So be prepared!!!

Fuzzy

PS Oh I'm a she not a he!

Fuzzy_2

Cheeky!!!!