Absolute minimum XPPro install

  • Thread starter Thread starter Steve
  • Start date Start date
S

Steve

I've got an older laptop (PII 600, 288 RAM 2.2lbs.) with a 2gig HD thatI
love because of the weight and screen. I wish to use this as I travel to
remotely access my desktop, but the OS takes about 1.5 gig on an clean
install. With all the new critical updates the HD space is dwindling
rapidly.

What can I safely remove?

Is there a list of files, besides .tmp and the Windows/temp folder, and
Internet temp files that can be removed?

The system has a CD drive that I can move .hlp files and the like so I can
get to them if needed.

Any suggestions??

Steve
 
I should have also said that the HD is a non standard size and cannot be
updated.

STEVE
 
Steve;
I would start with a Clean Installation to be absolutely sure there
was nothing not needed installed.
During Installation choose the Custom option and uncheck EVERYTHING
unless you are absolutely sure you need it.
Later if it turns out a feature is needed, you can add it in
Add/Remove programs.
Set System Restore to the minimum or even disable if you are daring.

Do not install any Recommended Updates but still install ALL Critical
Updates at Windows Update.
You can safely delete the update Uninstall files:
Once you are sure you will keep Windows XP Service Pack 1.
The files may be hidden, to show the file:
Go to C:\WINDOWS
Click the top TOOLS, click FOLDER OPTIONS, click VIEW
Check the radio button. "Show hidden files and folders"
Click OK and you should now see more files.
Go to C:\WINDOWS and delete "$NTServicePackUinistall$" about 240 mb.
Then go to Add/Remove Programs.
Click Service Pack 1, there will be an error since you just deleted
the file.
Click YES to delete the shortcut.
Use similar procedure to delete similar files for the updates.
 
Thanks Mr. Jones,

I have done exactly what you have suggested when I installed . I've also
disabled RESTORE and HIBERNATE and compressed the Hd.

I'm looking for the next step. Move to a CD the files that I might
eventually need, like fonts, help files. Anything thing will give me more
space.

Again thanks for your input.


STEVE
 
Steve;
Once you have done that as well as deleted all *.tmp as well as the
contents (not the folders themselves) of any Temp files, that is about
all there is.
Fonts etc need to stay where they are.
If they are moved, Windows may become unusable.
Since 1.5gb is absolute minimum and 4gb recommended, there is really
nothing else you can do.
You are running just barely above the minimum and when you take into
account updates, you are probably at the new minimum.

I realize you said the drive is nonstandard size, but are you sure you
can not get a larger drive?
If you haven't already, try searching for that brand on Google or even
Ebay (be careful with hard drives and Ebay).

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/newsgroups/setup.asp
http://dts-l.org/index.html
 
I've checked E-Bay and nothing is available.

Your suggestions have been extremely helpful and on-topic.

Many many thanks.

STEVE
 
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