Windows XP format

[Jekyll]

Hi all

I'll be upgrading my PC, more info here and I've been told i'll need to format, something I haven't done before.

Can anyone let me know how I do it please and if theres a better order of reinstalling things?

Thanks

 

[Jekyll]

Thanks for the help guys

@ neil_g- I wasn't really wanting to format, as I say, its something I haven't done before and i've heard it can take awhile to reinstall, but if theres a chance of problems if I don't format, i'd rather just get it outa the way.

And i'll use the reinstall order shown in the sticky .. never even thought to look there

@ YorkshirePadd26 - No, I hadn't looked at the Intel C2D systems, I've had no problems with AMD so far, I like to stick with what I know

As for Windows 7 beta, I didn't know about it, but after reading your reply I googled it. Seems the beta is closed? Unless i'm looking in the wrong place.

The sticky looks great, I'll have a read through it for optimising and tweaking once I get XP reinstalled, but I couldn't find anything about how to actually format the C: drive, can anyone post how its done please, do I just go into my computer, right click C: and format?

 

[Jekyll]

just boot from the windows disk, when it asks select a fresh install rather than repair, then it should give you the option to repartition and format..

No, it won't let you. Put the XP CD in the drive, boot from it and chose to reinstall a new copy of xp. Somewhere along the line you will be asked if you wish to format the drive, choose yes, quick option and you will be on your way.

EDIT: Lol. Too slow.

Cheers neil and Matt, appreciate the help

 

[Jekyll]

Thanks SimonC, i'll take a look.

@ bledd. - fdisk, slipstream

There also seems to be some confusion as to whether I can use my XP disc, its an OEM version I bought 3 years ago for my current rig, i'm getting different answers from different people, so I may need to buy XP with SP3 already on it.

 

[Jekyll]

New OS it is then

I just thought of something else, might be a stupid question but ..

What order is best to do the format/upgrade?

Format first, then install the new parts, then reinstall XP, or, install new parts, then format and reinstall?

 

[Jekyll]

I'd say it's easier to install the new parts first. That way you just need to boot from the Windows disk once and tell it to do a format followed by a clean install.

Thanks jeffmango

 

[Jekyll]

Hey no problem. Good luck!

Hehe, thanks .. i'll need it

@ CaptainCrash - Thanks for the warning, but i'll be sticking with XP for now