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How to perform a clean install of Windows XP

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Article ID:
153
Date Created
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Last Updated
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
This Article Has been Viewed
1972 times
Short Desc
How to perform a clean install of windows XP. This is not a difficult task, once you get started, you will be able to perform this when needed. Most computers should be re-install every 6 months.
Details
When your system gets to where it is buggy and programs are not responding correctly, it is at that time, that you will want to do a complete backup and reinstall of your operating system. Failure to perform this operation, can result in loss of data, as well as loss of hardware, like your hard drive.
Recreate Issue
To recreate this issue.
When you work with your computer every day, files and folders get fragments.
Using the disk defragmenter is always a good thing to do, at least once a week.
However, there are times when the system starts to act up, and slow to load, and programs become unmanageable. It is at this time, that you will want to do a backup and re-install of your operating system.
Resolve Issue
Since I am still currently working with Windows XP, I have decided to do this installation write up.
I am going to provide in-depth instructions on how to backup and reinstall your Windows XP Home or Pro system.

Step #1. (Backup of Data)
First thing, set your computer to show Hidden Files and Folders.

Open [My Computer]
From the Menu
Click [Tools]
[Folder Options]
Click on the [View] Tab
Put a check beside [Show hidden files and folders]
Click [Apply] then [OK]

Now, go into the following location
C:\Documents and Settings\<USERNAME>
Backup the following folders.

[Desktop]
[Favorites]
[My Documents]

(For [Outlook Express] users)
\Local Settings\Application Data\Identities\{a really long number here}\Microsoft\Outlook Express
Backup the \Outlook Express\ folder.

Now, for the Address Book
Application Data\Microsoft\Address Book
Backup the \Address Book\ folder.

If you user Google Chrome, then you will want to back it up as well.
Local Settings\Application Data\Google
Backup the entire \Google\ folder.

There are other programs that you may use, like Office Outlook or other.
You will have to do a search on what needs to be backed up on them programs.

To get a full list of all programs installed on your computer.
Download and install the following program
Belarc Advisory (FREE)«
---------

Step #2: Setting BIOS to boot from CD Rom as First Boot Device.

Now, when doing a clean install, you will need to have your Windows XP CD and CD Key.
Boot the computer from the CD
(IF BIOS is not set to boot from CD, then you will have to go into BIOS and do this.
Depending on your BIOS type, will depend on what KEY on the keyboard to press to get into BIOS.
Normally it is either
F2 or F12
Please check your BIOS type and a quick Google search will give you the information needed.
Once in BIOS, click on the Boot Option tab, and choose CD as First Boot Option.

Step #3: Installing Windows

Once you have the computer set to boot from CD Rom, do so.
The first thing you will see is the [loading of Drivers],
This may take a little while, depending on the Speed of your CD Rom drive.

Next
Accept the License Agreement [Click F8]

Next
Choose to do a new install (Press the ESC key)

Next
You are faced with the installed Hard Drives.
Your C:\ drive is what we are looking at here.
(This information is on rather you have multiple partitions on your System)
Choose C:\ drive, click on [D] for Delete
Confirm
Then click on the drive again, and choose [C] for Create.
Leave it default, however, if you have a larger than 60GB drive, you can choose to split the drive, into more than a single partition.
Having a Large C:\ drive is not always a good thing.

After you have confirmed the [C]reation of the drive partition.
Click on C:\ Drive, and click [Next]
Choose [Quick NTFS Format]
Once you have chosen this option, it will Format your disk, and then load drivers.
This will take a little while, so please be patient.

Your computer will reboot itself, just leave it be, (or) you may choose at this time
To go back into BIOS during the Reboot, and change the Boot Option, to Hard Drive and not CD Rom drive, as it is no longer needed at this time.

Once the system reboots, the installation will continue, never remove the CD Rom drive, as it is needed to complete the installation of your OS.

You will now see a Graphical User Interface that is more familiar with you.

[Language Settings]
Set your Language Settings
[Product Key]
Enter your Product Key from your CD or the side of your computer case.
[Network Setting]
Choose to customize your Network settings, and choose your network card. Then click OK.
If you choose not to customize, then you will have to install drivers once you are completed with the installation, Doing the custom networking settings here, will automatically pick up on your network adapter.

Once the above 3 of completed, the rest will do on its own, just sit back and relax for a little while.

Step #3: Completed and Desktop
Once the installation is completed, you will then be faced with your empty desktop.
At this time, you will want to perform the following, depending on your Specification of customizing your desktop look and feel.

Screen Resolution
If your Graphic Card was not detected, then install it, as well as any other computer hardware that is not installed already.
Then set your Graphic Screen Resolution.
Right click on Desktop
Choose [Properties]
Click on [Settings]
Set your screen resolution here.
Click [Apply] then [OK]

Right Click on the taskbar.
Choose [Properties]
Select your Taskbar options.
Click on the [Start Menu] tab.

For the Classic Start Menu, choose it, otherwise
Leave default (This will be the larger Menu)
Click on [Customize]
Once the dialog opens.
(These are my preferences, you choose your own, or go by mine.
Choose the following:
[Small icons]
Number of programs on start menu [0]
([Clear List])

Click on the [Advanced Tab]
Uncheck the top 2 options, and the bottom option.
Next
[Start Menu items]:

[Control Panel] = Display as menu
[My Computer] = Display as menu
[System Administrator Tools] = Display on all programs and start menu.

Leave the rest default.

----
Now, the rest is up to you.
Install the programs that you need, and may I suggest the following.
If you have multiple partitions or drives in your system.
Instead of allowing the programs to install all in C:\ drive, Install them in other partitions or drives.

Good Luck!
Carrzkiss

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