Reformatting.

First of I did read the Formatting Your PC thread.

I want turn back the hands of time so the XP Home OS will be like the day I got it. Any suggestions, tips or suggested reads? This will be the first time I have done it, so I am trying to collect as much data as possible before I attempt it.

 

May of 2003. I'm not sure if a system restore will do it because I want it just like I got it out of the box, only original software etc.

 

Backup all your docs, email, favoutites, etc. Make sure you have the needed drivers for you hardware. Also backup software that has been downloaded.

Stick the xp cd in, boot up & follow the screens. Remember you want to format XP not repair. When you get to the screen selection for your drive delete the one with XP on it then install XP. Otherwise you will end up doing a repair.

 

Okay guys thanks for the info but bear with me as I am the guy with just enough knowledge to be dangerous.http://www.foroedonkey.com/vb/images/smilies/eusa_doh.gif A couple questions.
1. Do I backup the drivers?
2. How do I backup software like Adobe Photoshop Cs2?
3. Why format and not repair? This question is just out of curiosity.

 

1/ For drivers you want the installation files. eg, when you buy a printer the driver is on a cd. You then download the updated driver if needed. That's the file you want to keep safe, not the files extracted to the drive.

2/ Again you need the installation file not the files loaded to the hard drive. So all those need to go onto a cd with the drivers.

3/ Because you said you wanted to start fresh...out of the box.

If you want to do a repair you can but it will not be a clean install. All your other software & drivers will still be there.

 

Oh, I get it. A repair is just that, it only repairs, whereas the way I want it completetly starts over.

 

Now ya got it.