Backup, Format, Re-install XP SP2 - My first time

[Sid]

I've got to format reinstal an XP machine...for my first time, and I'm a little bit intimidated...anyone got any advice, or sites/tutorials I should have a look at first?

I'm doing it Thursday (tomorrow) night, so rapid advice is appreciated!!!

Thanks chaps

[GX44]

Hi Sid,

Don't be intimidated by this process... Once you've done it you wonder why you were worrying.

How are you going to back up your existing data? DVD, External HDD...?

Once you have backed up your data, its just a matter of setting the bios to boot from CD first and follow the instructions.

What are the specs of your system at the moment? ... And why do you have to format/re-install?

[unlovedwarrior]

back up there is some reading material for you on backing up your data, but basicly you just need to burn any important files to cds or put them on a flashdrive

heres how to reformat and reinstall windows

[Sid]

I'm not sure of the specs, it's the computer at work. 

The reason for the need of a reinstall is, somehow I corrupted it and it won't accept new hardware (ie the all important printer).

I'm gonna back it up onto a slaved HDD, one of my own, then disconnect the slave, format, reinstall, then re connect the slave, and restore data.

Just wondering if anyone has any insight, or if there are any things that often cause hiccups or anything.

I'm doing it at 8:30pm so there is plenty of time to read up and make sure I know exactly what I'm doing, and what I should be doing.

The added pressure of it being a work machine is kinda daunting, but it shouldn't be a problem, especially if I back everything we need up.

Again, cheers for your insight guys.

When I can, I'll try and help too.

[unlovedwarrior]

back up there is some reading material for you on backing up your data, but basicly you just need to burn any important files to cds or put them on a flashdrive

heres how to reformat and reinstall windows

did you get a chance to look at those links

[Sid]

back up there is some reading material for you on backing up your data, but basicly you just need to burn any important files to cds or put them on a flashdrive

heres how to reformat and reinstall windows

did you get a chance to look at those links

Yeah I did, thanks.  Doesn't sound too complicated!   Got all my files ready to back-up, going to either use a slaved HDD, or my iPod via USB.  Haven't decided which yet.  The machine could do with an internal clean, so we'll see...depends how I feel later.

Cheers for the help chaps.

[CBMatt]

For backing up, I'd use the HDD.  I think it would be a bit more reliable than an iPod, but either one should be fine.  Once you've done that, all you really have to do is follow the provided steps.  It's really simple once you're actually doing it.  Let us know how it goes.

[Sid]

For backing up, I'd use the HDD.  I think it would be a bit more reliable than an iPod, but either one should be fine.  Once you've done that, all you really have to do is follow the provided steps.  It's really simple once you're actually doing it.  Let us know how it goes.

I'll prob try the iPod first, as means of easyness, but if that just doesn't want to happen, I'll slave the bad boy up.

Of course, taking all nessacary anti-static precautions!  ...lol.

[unlovedwarrior]

lol i use my ipod for a back up before i had my beast computer i have now, try zipping you documents so they will be smaller.
you could also just for more back email your important stuff to yourself

[Sid]

There is only about 2GB that needs saving, so my iPod should be enough, I think.

But any troubles, I have that HDD I can slave...should be sorted, will let you know.

[unlovedwarrior]

k good luck

[Sid]

Doing the backup format reinstall now:

Good thing I grabbed my HDD, the problem I'm re-installing to fix, has prevented me from using my iPod as a USB MSD, which i suppose is a good thing, because at least the time I wasted d/ling iTunes to no avail, will be recovered on the restore, seeing as USB is limited to 11(?)mb/s and ATA/IDE is at least 66mb/s.

Lesson to all:

ALWAYS have a back-up method. 

Also, good thing the DVD Burner is an IDE device, seeing as the hard-drive on it is SATA.  My back up here would've been going home and grabbing some CD's (even SLOWER method).  But instead, I've just got the DVD and the HDD sharing an IDE chain.

Also, I'm going to unplug everything that is connected, and add one device at a time, once the re-install is complete.

Sorry, I know I'm talking to myself, but it's boring here, and I suppose if this helps someone, then great!

[closefrnds]

well check the site on my signature for some Guidance.

[Sid]

well check the site on my signature for some Guidance.

What signature?

I've done it, and I'll post more about it later, seeing as I'm now at work, and shouldn't be "messing around" online.

[CBMatt]

well check the site on my signature for some Guidance.

What signature?

The signature was removed for going against forum rules.

I look forward to hearing how it all went.