Clean install & critical updates

  • Thread starter Thread starter Little Neddie
  • Start date Start date
L

Little Neddie

I want to re-format my primary HD and re-install XP Home Edition from
scratch. I have the disks for most of my apps, while those I obtained from
websites are all in a Downloads folder, either as .exe or.zip files. I have
a full copy of this folder on my second HD - so no problem re-installing
those apps, I guess.

However, this folder also contains every Windows 'Hotfix' I've ever
downloaded. Can I use them or should I ditch them? Can I simply copy the
folder back onto the HD with the clean OS? If so, must the path be precisely
the same as before? Or do I have to abandon the lot and get all the Critical
Updates all over again? (I have the Windows Security Update CD by the way).

The same question arises with regard to my AVG Anti-Virus program, which I
installed a couple of years ago and have kept up to date (i.e. MANY
updates). Do I have to d/l and update all over again?

Please don't suggest anything that involves editing the registry unless the
fix is VERY simple and explained in great detail. I don't understand the
registry, so at my age (75) I'd rather not mess with it.

All help gratefully accepted - including pointing me towards the proper NG
if this isn't it...,
TIA
 
Little Neddie said:
However, this folder also contains every Windows 'Hotfix' I've ever
downloaded.
Click to expand...

If you downloaded the fixes from the Windows Updte Catalog, you can
re-use them. In any case you have to reinstall all updates manually. I
would start with the SP1, which already contains a whole bunch of the
earlier patches for Windows XP.
(I have the Windows Security Update CD by the way).
Click to expand...

You can use the CD as well to update your OS after the reinstallation.
The same question arises with regard to my AVG Anti-Virus program, which I
installed a couple of years ago and have kept up to date (i.e. MANY
updates). Do I have to d/l and update all over again?
Click to expand...

Yes. Usually you will have to download the newest version and scanner
libraries only.
 
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