andre_k

iTrader: (2)

morning all,

couple of quick questions, bearing in mind im not v.good with the jargon, but i know my way around a pc...

BTW its a Dell Dimension 4550 on XP.


2) if i wanted to copy a few programs onto a cd, for arguments sake google earth, how would i do it so that i can install it at a later date again? bearing in mind i may have deleted the installer for the program...

1) When reinstalling windows with the cd, how do i make sure that ALL of the old programs have gone? i have reinstalled it before, only to find there are names, under documents and settings, that were user names before it was reinstalled, as well as the ones ive made after.
Also, programmes that were meant to have been deleted, such as imesh etc that i wanted rid of, are still under c:/program files


How do i get rid of all so that i can have a fresh pc without the crap programmes, porn, old games and general crap slowing it down...

scottp

1) as you have deleted the installer for the programs, you wont be able to back them up to install on a fresh system. i suggest redownloading the latest version and burning it to a CD (Just send to D or E depending on your CD RW drive, and then burn to a blank one). You can then keep that CD and install once Windows is installed.

2) I'm guessing that there are 2 partitions on your PC, C and D Drive. If you are formatting Windows, only C will Format, leaving all the documents and user settings intact on D. You will need to do a full format of both partitions through DOS. As you have formatted C, i assume you will know how to do this.
Also, as its a Dell, they come with a Windows Recovery CD. This installs all the drivers for the Dell components, as well as putting all the software Dell wants on your computer. I suggest buying *cough* a OEM copy of Windows with no other software installed.
If you do want to keep it legit, there are many Genuine copies of Windows Xp Professional and Home OEM on Ebay for very cheap.

Hope that helps!

Treen

Surely, to answer question 1, you just reformat the drive and do a clean instal? Everythings gone from mine when I do that.

Not sure about question 2, many years ago when I did my first reformat, I tried saving programs straight from the files and couldn't get them to work again, so Now I always make sure I keep the main application for installing it on a CDROM.

Not much help am I?

ballin

iTrader: (1)

you have to have the installer to install

format c: will wipe it properley

scottp

He says he already formatted the drive and the Documents and Settings were intact. As on many new PC's, the computer will have 2 partitions, one for Windows and Programs, and one for Documents and Settings. This is to ensure that if a virus was to infect the operating system, no damage would be done to the users files. Of course, when the computer is formatted to start a fresh, both drives (Virtual, as it will be one drive partitioned into 2) will need to be formatted.

Davie

Just re-start the PC with the cd in the drive. Delete all partitions, create a new partition with the size of disk you require or make it full size and bobs your auntie.

And you need the installers to install

Treen

I get ya I thought maybe he'd just reinstalled windows over the top.

I've got 4 partitions on mine, makes things a lot lot easier when a reformat is needed.

DanRSturbo

Righto,

1) To install google earth on another machine, you'll need to download the installer. Copying the program files from your existing hard disk drive to another machine will not work.

2) Your Dell PC will have 1 fixed hard disk drive in it. This will have 2 partitions on it. 1 You can access, and one that will probably be hidden. Your recovery disk, will use some information off the cd, and some information off the 2nd hard disk drive.

Basically, what it will do, is repair the current version of Windows XP, rather the format and reinstall Windows. There should be an option on the recovery disk to completely blank the drive.

If not, and it's what you want to do, you can download a Windows Xp 9 in 1 Disk which will allow you install Professional or Home Editions of XP, you can use your cd key supplied on your Dell PC to activate windows and all's gravey.

I have done this on my work machine, and the home machine

ballin

iTrader: (1)

he never said he formatted it, he said he reinstalled windows.

this doesnt clear much, it just puts the OS on again

andre_k

iTrader: (2)

ok thanks guys, ill give it a go...

andre_k

iTrader: (2)

the only cd i have is ''reinstalling cd microsoft windows xp home edition including service pack 1''


is this adequate?

my sister has a new PC (not dell), NOT THAT IM GOING TO DO IT, but would her cd's work on my dell?

Davie

Probably not, it may well be specific to her machine. And if it did you would need to re-install all drivers for all your devices (Video card, Modem, Chipset, etc)

Best way is to your your own recovery CD's, or use another XP CD, but be sure to use a genuine CD key, *ahem*, as MS frown upon piracy, but even then you will still need your drivers.

Or, stick it into a shop and pay them to do it.

*edited dur to poss piir spooling

scottp

dont take it to a shop whatever you do! if you have any more troubles, there will be someone you know who will do it for a beer or summit. or a can of pop, cos they will usually be about 13, lol!