Windows XP format

Jekyll

Jekyll

Jekyll

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38
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 :)
 
its not always necessary to format for a replacement motherboard. especially if they are completely different chipsets.
 
I went from an A64 system to a Intel C2D and didn't need to reformat anything. I did run sluggish though !

Have you looked at Intel C2D systems ? I'd say they have the edge still over AMD system and I'm not a fan boy.

For the price and overclocking ability Intel wins hands down.

Look at getting another HD or an exteral one for backing up and install the new system on than and then simply grap any files you need from the old drive.

Fresh install will ensure everything is running as it should, also have a look at Windows 7 beta, I've found it to be a decent product and its still free for a few months.




Jekyll said:
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 :)
Click to expand...
 
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 :rolleyes:

@ 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? :confused:
 
Jekyll said:
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? :confused:
Click to expand...

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.. :)
 
Jekyll said:
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? :confused:
Click to expand...

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.
 
neil_g said:
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.. :)
Click to expand...

Mattf121 said:
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.
Click to expand...

Cheers neil and Matt, appreciate the help :)
 
If your still unsure, have a look on youtube, probably plenty of how to's on there. A video can often make things easier than just reading a bunch of text.
 
that guide is old and outdated in some parts.

no need to use fdisk etc, slipstream sp3 into your xp disc (assuming you're using xp), and install with that.
 
Thanks SimonC, i'll take a look.

@ bledd. - fdisk, slipstream :confused:

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.
 
oem is tied to the motherboard

i'd buy vista 64 home premium, or wait for windows 7 to be released -later this year
 
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?
 
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.
 
Jekyll said:
New OS it is then :(
Click to expand...
Just a quick suggestion - assuming you're buying a new copy of Vista, you'll be prompted during the install process to enter your product key and activate on line. *Don't* do this - just ignore the dire warning and proceed without entering the key at this stage. You'll then be presented with a screen inviting you to select the version of Vista that you've bought, and you can continue on your way.

The reason for this being, you have a 30-day grace period before activation is mandatory, so use it to make sure your installation is running the way you want it - there's every chance that you'll have a few false starts and want to start afresh, particularly if you've never installed an OS before. If you repeatedly try to activate the same copy of Windows within a short space of time, things can get a bit tiresome... :)
 
Jekyll said:
Hehe, thanks .. i'll need it :D

@ CaptainCrash - Thanks for the warning, but i'll be sticking with XP for now :)
Click to expand...
hmmm... as you can't use your existing OEM XP anyway, I kind of assumed that your "new OS" would be Vista.

I have to say I'm surprised that anyone would buy a new copy of XP at this stage, unless maybe it were for a netbook, but I guess you have your reasons and I won't try and persuade you otherwise. :)
 
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