re install

[Baz]

may be doing a re install of XP on my sons system soon, got any tips. How often do you do this yourself and why. Only doing this as it started to get really slow and was bogged down with a load of rubbish, as they do over the years, then he got a trojan so thought it might be a good idea to start afresh.

[Steve]

Have a look here with this software you can slipstream everything drivers and updates into one package

[Rik]

I rarely re-install from scratch, Baz, I tend to use Acronis images if I need to.

[kinmel]

Before you start, create an image of the existing set-up.

Then when you discover you failed to save game saves and other data you can explore the image to rescue the missing data.

[Sebby]

My main tip would be to create a new disc with SP3 slipstreamed. Other than that, I would say just go ahead, do a clean install, drivers, and just the apps that are needed.

[Glenn]

Use Vista  , it will install far faster, takes around 40% of the time XP takes on the same laptop.

[vitriol]

 

[Sebby]

Use Vista  , it will install far faster, takes around 40% of the time XP takes on the same laptop.

I think you've got the two the wrong way round.

[Glenn]

Nope, using the same laptop, Dell D620, , XP pro needs lots of additional drivers to be download prior to the install (network, systemboard, display, audio etc), Vista Ultimate has them all included, all done using Dell branded install disks.

[Sebby]

But that's quite a new laptop, so it's not reasonable to expect all the drivers to be included. Plus Vista is several times larger than XP!

[zappaDPJ]

I'd certain start by taking kinmel's excellent advice, take an image of the existing installation or failing that make sure you have archived any ireplaceable data files including things like email contacts and browser favorites.

I'd also repartition and format the hard drives to ensure than any Trojans or other unwanted infections are totally removed. Install the new operating system along with any service packs and updates from Microsoft and then go and get the latest drivers for your hardware, particularly graphics & sound card drivers but perhaps avoid the bloatware that sometimes accompanies these.

You should then install some Anti-Virus software and ensure that the definitions are up to date before installing anything else especially data files that you may have previously archived from the existing installation. At some point down the line you might want to consider taking a copy of your new installation using an appropriate utility especially if you think you may need to repeat the process in the near future.

How often do I do this? Very rarely because I'm extremely careful what I let though onto my PC but it's the total opposite for my daughter's PC as she tend to end up with all manner of bloatware that clogs up the operating system.

[Gary]

Have you tried running CCleaner to clean out some of that rubbish? http://www.ccleaner.com/download/builds use the slim build and also a good defrag program like perfectdisc which offers boot time defrags is always useful www.raxco.com may save you a huge install if you don't need to

[Rik]

How often do I do this? Very rarely because I'm extremely careful what I let though onto my PC

Same here. Prevention is definitely better than cure.

[Baz]

some good tips guys thanks. I am also very careful with my system and normally so is my son but got caught some how with this trojan, so maybe I was thinking that an image will not be such a good idea thats why I opted for an install. Also would it be best to put on any anti virus prog before updating from the likes of microsoft or any thing online

[kinmel]

During the re-install keep you PC physically dis-connected from your router, as soon as the XP install is complete, install your anti-virus program and make sure it is running.

Only then connect your PC to the router and go online for updates (anti-virus updates first ! )

[mrapoc]

Definately give nlite a go

Its a must for me when dealing with Xp

[JB]

Definately give nlite a go

Its a must for me when dealing with Xp

[Sebby]

Me too.

[Baz]

well the install went ok and all so far, quick wheres the smilie-touching-a-bit-of-wood, now its just a matter of putting back what he wants on.

[Sebby]

Good to hear, Baz.

[D-Dan]

Not to bolt the barn after the horse has gone - but why?

I have NEVER found any malware that cannot be successfully removed, and whilst some may be a pain, the pain of malware removal is certainly preferable to restoring a perfectly adequate system from scratch.

The only times I have ever re-installed have been:-

i. When my HD went on the fritz before I could ghost to a new drive.
ii. When I tweaked one step too far and killed Windows stone dead (beyond recovery console repair)
iii. When I installed linux as a dual boot and forgot where Windows was (overwriting said XP install in the process).

What annoys me more is that most magazines resort to a reinstall as advice for curing a malware infection. Most of the time, this is simply not necessary, and given that many people will have invested a lot of time in their system as it is, lousy advice, too.

Steve

[Baz]

it was getting bogged down with cr*p, did have a trojan, which was removed but you never know, and generally just very sluggish. So decide on a re install and start again. Dont have the option of making an image yet so this, in my case was easier.


each to their own

[Steve]

Getting some imaging software would be a good move,as at the moment the software install should be clean and bug free, You can pull a basic install image from an adjacent hardrive in minutes rather the hours it can take for full OS install,update and additional software load.

[Rik]

Sound advice, Steve, it's the way I always work.

[vitriol]

Isn't there a version of Acronis imaging software available for free?