Re-installing Windows (for the first time)

[hubieb]

I have never reinstalled an operating system before, but due to some significant errors when I try to load Media Center, I think I might have to do a complete reinstall.



How do I do this? (where do i start?)
Will I lose all my files? (documents, rec TV, etc)
Will I lose my software licenses (since they will have to be reinstalled as well?)


Anything else I should be aware of before completing this task?

 

[Glenn9999]

A lot of this depends on the things that were left to you on disk by the company that made the computer. If you have standard disks (OS disk, driver disks, etc), the process isn't too painful. The problem comes when the company places everything you need on a reinstall partition, which can be as easily corruptable as the main OS partition.

So the first step would be to figure out what situation you are in. The rest depends on whether you can find install disks for all the applications you have - in fact that's usually the real problem for most. Finding all the disks and things that are needed.

To address the other questions, files can always be backed up if you know the locations. Much again depends on the applications at hand.

And license records will be lost, yes. So when you install the applications again, you will need to have any and all codes that are associated with the applications (and the OS as well). Usually the codes are what is needed to install the applications and prove licensure.

Ask back again when you have your planning complete and are ready for the next step. Or ask if you are unsure about anything up to this point.

Dilbert is not a fictional cartoon. It is a documentary.

 

[BadBigBen]

Alternatively, you could do a Inplace Repair install, but as mentioned this may not be an option depending on the media (XP CD) that is in use...

Repair Install HowTo:

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

a Repair install, will not delete your files, will not remove software licenses... It will remove OS files and replace them with the ones on the CD, and you will have to reinstall all UPDATES...


Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[linney]

Have you tried System Restore just to see if that can go back in time before any problems started?

Try running ChkDsk to check your drive for errors. Right-click your Drive icon/ Properties/ Tools/ Error Checking. Select both boxes.

Run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.

HOW TO: Verify Unsigned Device Drivers in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q308/5/14.asp

If they don't work you could try repairing windows by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

As previously mentioned, the last link/article, relies on you having a Retail XP CD, or an equivalent OEM Recovery CD that allows for a non destructive repair install without just a procedure that only returns you to the original factory settings.