bootable cd

Hi,
Just about to reinstall windows xp do you recommend i make a bootable cd or just use the easy way and use the xp disk. Also when installing windows will the graphics card, cd rom drive and floppy drive be recognized and drivers installed? Also will all documents be wipeable form the cd itself who do i have to do it manually.
thanks
gower

 

Why would you want the hassle of making a bootable CD if you are going to reinstall Windows? Sure make yourself one for emergencies when you have a nice clean install of Windows but not before.

As for what will be recognized XP will recognize most things but it is always better to use the manufacturers own drivers.

And what documents are you talking about?

 

Thanks
When i put the xp cd will it say wipe hardrive? the documents are everything like norton av and other programs like internet e.t.c. and personal docs like word docs and pics.

 

If it asks to format the disk then yes EVERYTHING that is on the disk will be gone so make sure that any personal files are backed up first before you do ANYTHING else.

However you can do a repair install but you will need to boot from the XP CD to get to this. If your PC does not boot from the CD then you may have to change the boot order in the BIOS.

When you see the "Welcome To Setup" screen, you will see the options below
This portion of the Setup program prepares Microsoft
Windows XP to run on your computer:

To setup Windows XP now, press ENTER.

To repair a Windows XP installation using Recovery Console, press R.

To quit Setup without installing Windows XP, press F3.

Press Enter to start the Windows Setup.

Do not choose "To repair a Windows XP installation using the Recovery Console, press R", (you do not want to load Recovery Console).

Accept the License Agreement and Windows will search for existing Windows installations.

Select the XP installation you want to repair from the list and press R to start the repair.

 

as we have a virus and redgedit has gone to pot inclusing most programs with it do you think that reinstalling windows is bette than doing a repair boot from xp cd taks.
Also what are the personal files?
thanks

 

Personal files are your pictures, songs and other files you have saved, like the stuff in the My Documents folders.

 

If you have had a virus that has pretty well trashed things then yes format the hard drive and re-install Windows. Then after you've done that get yourself a virus checker. AVG for instance which is free and be found here:

http://www.majorgeeks.com/AVG_Free_Edition_d886.html