[Lorenina]

Does anyone have a good and comprehensive guide to re-installing Windows XP Home Edition from scratch? My PC has become unbelievable slow and in spite of all that I have tried in the last few months to fix it, nothing has worked. I have come to the conclusion to re-install and really CLEAN my computer so it will perform as it should. I have saved all documents and made a list of all the software installed to make the process easier.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!!!!!

 

[kiwiguy]

It is a matter of putting the XP disk in the CD drive and rebooting, it should boot off the CD, then you follow the menu choices for a format and install. XP is about the most straightforward operating system to install.

Only if it does not boot from the CD will some help be needed, try it and see.

If your XP does not have SP2 on the install disk, then download SP2 to a CD and have it ready to load afetr XP is installed, under no circumstances connect to the internet until SP2 is loaded.

 

[Lorenina]

Thanks so much. I will try as soon as I am certain all of my documents are saved. Thanks also for the tip about SP2.

If I have saved via XP utilities, a backup of documents and settings, would it be wise to restore this (especially for settings) or is it better to set the settings all over again?

Thanks again

 

[Lorenina]

Also an important point is Outlook - probably advisable to save a backup Outlook to save addresses and emails?

 

[Old Rich]

If you want to save your files and settings, you can use the XP Files and Settings Transfer (FAST) wizard to create an image of them and save to cd or other removable media. These are good guides to using the FAST wizard. Just be sure you have an up-to-date antivirus before you re-instate them!

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_fstw.asp
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_repair_install.htm

It's a good idea to have your important files backed up individually also . .

 

[Old Rich]

This is a site that walks you thru a simulated XP installation:
http://www.echoproject.net/en/software/catalog.html

These are good guides to reinstalling XP . . you might want to print one for reference during the install.

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp
http://www.socrtwo.info/cleanxpinstall.htm
http://www.theeldergeek.com/xp_home_install_-_graphic.htm

 

[multisync666]

This site may be of some help
http://www.windowsreinstall.com

 

[Lorenina]

Thank You All So Much! Great Tips!