Cleaning up XP install

[NotAGolf]

Hi all.

I've got a new hard-drive and I was wondering whether I should clone my current windows install or just format and start from scratch.

Normally I would just blank it and re-do it all but I've got a few apps on there that might be a bit tricky remembering exactly how to set them all up again.

If I were to 'clean' the disk instead of wipe it, how close do you think I could get it to a fresh install in terms of general snappiness?

All I use for cleaning currently is the windows defrag, ccleaner, and tunexp.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Meatball]

My opinion:

You can never beat the feeling of having a clean and snappy installation . I would image your current installation for backup purposes as well.

Normally I would just blank it and re-do it all but I've got a few apps on there that might be a bit tricky remembering exactly how to set them all up again.

What programs inparticular? You might just be able to copy across your profile folder:
Click 'Start'
'Run'
Type in %APPDATA%.

Copy the folder(s) relating to the programs you want. Install the programs on your new installation and transplant the folder back across. It depends on the program though.

 

[theheyes]

You could clone it, see how well it works and if everything is fine then leave it as it is. A clone is a clone - if it's running on the same hardware it should be the same as it was before. The only thing you'll have to work around is reclaiming the excess space (assuming the new hard drive is of a larger capacity)