Webuser Forums: INSTALL / UNINSTALL XP

Good idea going legit. I commend you.

If I were in the same situation as you, I would back up anything that needs keeping (like My Documents, any game save files, etc) onto an external drive, or a CD/DVD.

Following that I would look at the hardware of the computer and download all of the latest drivers ready for when the system is wiped. These would also go onto some form of external storage.

A final backup procedure would be to download any programs like antivirus/firewall that I'd like installed as soon as the system is working again.

Once I'm double and triple sure that everything is safe on external storage, I'd pop in the new XP disc, and have it format the hard disk, then install itself on this shiny new slate.

After that I'd have a working (but very very bare) copy of WinXP installed. Setting up would happen now, with drivers being installed, programs being put back on and the restoration of anything else that was backed up. Then its off for a cuppa while Windows Update runs.

To answer your numbers,

1. Wiping it off there
2. Yes, before
3. See above

Before you do anything though, what is the full spec of the computer? Does it have any model numbers (Stations like Compaq or Packard Bell do for example)?

If theres no model to look up for drivers, grab a program like Everest or PC Wizard and tell us in particular the model of the..

Sound Card/Chipset
Graphics/Video Card
Any Network cards (wireless or wired)
Modem/Router
Processor
RAM
Any attached devices like printers/scanners/cameras etc.

I'd gladly answer any more questions you have, or help you find drivers etc. You might find these pages useful too:

http://www.windowsxphome.windowsreinstall.com/
http://www.windowsxpprofessional.windowsreinstall.com/
http://www.theeldergeek.com/thoughts_about_reinstalling_xp.htm
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/winxp/install.mspx

GMAC

--------------------
Toshiba Satellite P10-304
Dual booting Ubuntu Linux/Win XP Pro SP2
AntiVir Personal, COMODO Firewall, Ad-Aware 2006, Spyware Blaster, Spybot S&D, PeerGuardian 2