In order to be prepared...

[Omag 2.0]

I'm forseeing a major reinstallment fro my system. I'm thinking of installing XP ( win 2000 now). This time, I'd like to do it myself, but I've never done such a thing.

Where can I obtain clear guidelines on how to reinstall my system, without to much trouble? What files can I save on DVD safely, without the chance of bugs infecting the newly installed system?

Cheers,

Omag

[Mehdi]

I think it's best if you just go on Upgrade when you pop in the XP disc. That way, you can keep all your files.  :)

[Chris_F]

I lost a hard drive and had to start from scratch.  It was a piece of cake, just put the XP disk in, answer the relevant questions and it does everything for you.

[Omag 2.0]

A collegue of mine also advised to upgrad to XP first, by simply installing it over the current win 2000. But I'm not quite sure if that means I get rid of all possible infections and problems... I still keep getting error-messages about norton firewall, though the program was completely de-installed. I want a clean, fresh start.

[congo]

Omag,

You just need the specific mainboard drivers for your motherboard (available at the manufacturers website, there is a specific driver, do not make a mistake!) and any other hardware drivers you require.

If you want to create a fully customised and personal WinXP install disk, google up nLite, make a few iso's (until you are sure it's right) and burn the one you decide on using.

I fully recommend downloading Service Pack 2 and all critical security updates and integrating them all into an nlite install disk.


Get SP2 here:

[congo]

When you get a spare hard disk, partition it and copy all your data, game folders, FS9 etc to a non C: partition. I also copy all my drivers and install programs to a non C: partition, saves loading CD's in all the time.

In this way, you can run much of the stuff you have now on the new system, any problems, just re-install the programs on your C: drive and use the configs of the old folders if you want. That way you keep all your old settings and configs.

With a second hard disk, you can get your new system all set up and going before you wipe out your old system, you'll know when it's time to do that. By that time, you'll know where you went wrong with your custom XP disk, and you'll have the experience to create your own WinXP 2006 Perfect Edition.    ;D