Re-Install of Windows XP

[Calli]

The pc has been glitchy and I was considering reinstalling XP over itself, just as I used to do in 98SE. In thinking about it I was wondering if (1) this is possible (2) would the addition of SP2 at a later date complicate things. The original cd does not have SP2 so I am wondering if it will work.:confused:

[Erik]

First off what kind of Windows CD do you have? Is it one bought in a retail store, or an OEM type that comes with a Dell or similar PC?

For the most part what ships with OEM machines is NOT a Windows install CD but rather a restore CD. These will format the HD removing EVERYTHING from it, and setup the system exactly as it shipped from the factory. Anything that had been changed after (Windows updates, files, applications, etc.) would need to be installed again.

If it is just a plain Windows CD then you have a few options. There is the repair install, which leaves everything in tact and just replaces OS files to fix some problems. Then there is the format and fresh install, which would remove everything and then require you install any applications and backup your data first. Lastly is the parallel install (which is basically useless) that will install to a different folder and let you choose which OS to boot into.

[Paul Komski]

Installing over or in-place in the form of repair installation wont of itself cure glitchiness a lot of the time - it depends of course what the cause of such glitches is. Perhaps you could describe some of them.

A clean reinstall is the best way to start anew particularly if you will be upgrading to SP2. SP2 can be problematic if there is already interfering software on the PC.

A parallel (or second but clean installation) adds to bloat but does let you access both your old and the new installation until you are in a position to delete one or the other of them when so desired. It can be a method to help determine if the glitches are due simply to problems with the software and not to any hardware as such.

[Erik]

A parallel (or second but clean installation) adds to bloat but does let you access both your old and the new installation until you are in a position to delete one or the other of them when so desired. It can be a method to help determine if the glitches are due simply to problems with the software and not to any hardware as such.

I prefer Knoppix for that kind of troubleshooting. I find it can be a pain to get a parallel install cleaned up and returned to a single install that works as well as a fresh format and install. Plus it eliminates the possibility of a virus or other malware on the problem install from crossing into the clean one. (I haven't personally seen it happen but I think it would be possible in theory anyway).

[Paul Komski]

I find it can be a pain to get a parallel install cleaned upEveryone to their own and I'm not saying it is a wonderful method but I would draw the line at saying it is "basically useless" particularly since all personal data is still accessible. Any malware would be most unlikely to execute unless of the the boot-sector variety. Though admittedly more elaborate, an even cleaner parallel install can be done by installing into a different partition; that would produce completely fresh Documents & Settings and Program Files folders. Knoppix is good but wont rewrite a brand new registry if such corruption prevents the system from booting.