Reinstalling XP

C

cheburns

New Member
So my copy of XP hasn't come in the mail yet but I installed a version from another computer in my house just to get my system up and running and test everything out. My question is... when my copy of XP comes in the mail and I uninstall the old XP and install mine, will that wipe my HD clean? so is it pointless to start putting applications and data onto my system because it will be reformatted basically when I reinstall XP?

Thanks
 
you can choose that. is your hard-drive divided in 2 parts? because its better in that way. you can reformat only the part where Windows is installed and store your data on the other part, which will remain intact.
 
Alex.A said:
you can choose that. is your hard-drive divided in 2 parts? because its better in that way. you can reformat only the part where Windows is installed and store your data on the other part, which will remain intact.
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yeah true.

if you installed a version of Xp from another computer then i cant see why not you just change the product key from your new copy when it comes on the Xp install you have installed on you pc already?

to save formatting and installing windows again with your new disk.

thats of course they are both the same copy of Xp whatever your buying,Xp home,Xp pro?
 
Alex.A said:
you can choose that. is your hard-drive divided in 2 parts? because its better in that way. you can reformat only the part where Windows is installed and store your data on the other part, which will remain intact.
Click to expand...

QFT. For Windows XP, I usually make it a 10GB partition to install the OS (adjust if you are a gamer because the installs are huge these days), and put all my documents, pics, videos, etc, (anything you want to keep if Windows craps out on you)... on the other partition. And I never install any programs to that partition.

I then Link My Documents to that partition (Right-click on My Documents desktop icon and choose Properties, then link that shortcut to the 2nd partition). I usually choose to not migrate the current files over, but use your discretion.

I usually create a Downloads folder there also, and link my browser to automatically download to that folder. It keeps all my stuff safe. ;)
 
So you're saying that I might not have to reinstall at all... I could just change the product key?

I can easily partition my drive and if I section off 15GB for XP Home is that definately enough? And then that 15GB section of my 400GB drive would be the only part reformatted and the rest I could leave untouched?

Thanks for the help
 
cheburns said:
So you're saying that I might not have to reinstall at all... I could just change the product key?

I can easily partition my drive and if I section off 15GB for XP Home is that definately enough? And then that 15GB section of my 400GB drive would be the only part reformatted and the rest I could leave untouched?

Thanks for the help
Click to expand...

yeah i think my friend done it,You just have to have exactly the same as whats currently installed.
so if you have XP pro Sp2 (Retail)for example installed on the pc at the moment and the new copy of windows is Xp pro SP2 (Retail)aswell it should be fine.
 
yeah, try what Nevakonaza said, and if the already installed version of XP isn't the same with your new bought one, try my advice.
 
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