Reinstall Windows Without Losing Your Data
 

This will apply to windows 98 - XP.
Alot of people already know this but there may be some that still wonder.

http://pcworld.about.com/magazine/2109p156id111652.htm

Thanks
Dudelive

Usually a clean install is always best, you can back up your data using nero and a few cd's.
Reinstalling the apps you like is easy as long as you have the appropriate exe file and your registration if necessary. I usually format my drives about once every 3-4 months, but I have found that using a ghosting utility and a dvd burner makes this process quick and painless.
After the reinstall is complete, I update virus definitions and program updates and burn a new dvd. I ususally keep dvds about a year just incase a new installation produces undisirable results, I can go back in time.

Thanks for the info Dudelive.

I sometimes do this:

• boot the PC using Windows PE
• rename the WINDOWS, Program Files and Documents & Settings directories
• load Windows CD and install.

Cheers,
McoreD

I totally agree Jarod with you that a clean install is much better. Doing constant backups of your important stuff is always best.

I had not thought of that McoreD, usually when I get ready to reinstall my stuff is acting up for awhile and I finally say @!#$ it and do a clean install that way. Your idea just might make me rethink my way and it would not take but just a little longer.

Thanks
Dudelive

I have alot of HDD with alot of partitions, so when i format .. i always format my primary partition C: and my partition D:,witch have my appz and games!!
So, all rest of my hdd / partition used as backup @!

It seems as though there is a way to reinstall windows xp from hd and do a clean install without having to use the cd rom which is slower. Maybe I am getting senile hehehe.

Thanks
Dudelive