Re-Installing Windows XP Pro

Hi,

I've come to the conclusion that I need to reinstall Windows. . . but I've never done it before. I've been reading about it and I've found that a few things need to be done. I need to backup Documents and Settings, make copies of my drivers (updated), make copies of my software.

So far, I've created a new identity and copied Documents and Settings to it (except for ntuser files in case I have a corrupted user profile) and all of my programs. I also put the programs on an external hdd.

I know that I have to backup my drivers and I'm unsure about that. I know that I need the printer, mouse and keyboard drivers and I have them on disk. Which other ones do I need and how do I find them?

I don't use Outlook Express so I'm not concerned about that.

When I created the new user, the desktop doesn't have a My Computer icon. How do I put one on my desktop? Desktop lists My Computer as being there, but it's not.

Also, is there anything else that I need to do/know that I didn't mention?

Denise

 

Thanks Tim. Wish me luck coz I ain't the best with software. :/

I'll let you know how it went if I can.

If I can't, have a Very Merry Christmas!

Denise