Initial OS install questions

[joeswm8]

when you initially build your computer, patition the drive, stick in the OS CD, and install the OS, and after that is all done, do you come to a completely blank destop that has absolutely no programs on it? are the only programs IE and the recycle bin? and is this the same case when you do a repair install? and a repair install keeps all the files correct?

kinda a big multi question

 

[PC eye]

Somehow you got somewhat confused on a few things. I'll list the steps in order to better explain how to install the OS and later the programs you plan on running.
1) hardware preparation and assembly
2)basic system tests and preparation to partition and format hard drive.
3)With host drive partitioned depending on OS you either then format or allow the installer to both partition and format the drive(XP there) and install OS.
4) Once desktop has arrived for OS all essentials drivers for the main board and other installed hardwares(video, sound, other devices) are then installed.
5) Software environment created over period of time depending how programs are going to installed and when. All now, Some now some later, or simply later.

The occasion for a repair install is when a large problem of some type has arisen and a method to repair a Windows installation without the need to reinstall the OS and programs/drivers alike plus possible loss of data is needed. The only time a repair install option would be used upon completion of an initial install of XP would be if something failed to install fully in the main OS itself.

 

[joeswm8]

ok thank you so much i get the initial OS install process now, but there was just a thread in the desktop section about someone switching the HDD from one PC to another that was not compatible until windows was reinstalled. but windows could be repair installed to adapt to the new mobo, BIOS, etc. and also keep all the files on it, correct?

 

[johnb35]

As far as only seeing a few icons on your desktop after you install XP is normal, thats because its setup like that in the beginning. To go back to seeing My Computer, Network Places, My documents icons you would have to change your start menu to the Classic type. Go to control panel and click on Taskbar and Start menu and change to classic start menu and your icons will reappear. Or you can right click on desktop and click on properties, click on desktop tab and click on customize desktop and then check the boxes for which icons you want to show on desktop. Either way will work for you. I, however prefer the classic start menu compared to the new way XP sets it up.

 

[PC eye]

That's in agreement there fast! I never cared for the "XP Style" for some other reasons besides being used to the old 9X-ME look. At first look there are the usual icons. The customize desktop is used to remove the MyDocs and Network Places right off. Besides the MyComputer icon for browsing you can right click on the Windows Explorer link in accessories and create a new shortcut.

The Windows Explorer (2) shortcut is then dragged onto the desktop. You can easily remove the (2) under the W.E. by right clicking on it and using the backspace key in the general tab. You can do this with any item in the Programs Menu. So instead of always going through the evergrowing list of items once you have a number of programs installed to use a common default item like explorer you simply double click on the desktop icon now available. It does seem to make life a little easier at times.