Reinstalling XP with Reference to 2nd HD

[Lynn Q]

Hi again,

Looks like I'm going to reformat my system. Somewhere in the past the C:
and D: drives have been reversed which is not a problem, i.e., the C: drive
is now the smaller one. Anyway, it looks as though my Windows folders (My
Documents, etc.) are being referenced on the D: drive whereas Windows is on
C:. How do ensure that these files on D: will not be used? I tried
formatting the D: drive but it says they're in use and the drive cannot be
formatted. I have a boot disk that I can use to start the system (actually
it's a WinME boot disk which just worked fine on the ME system). I plan on
putting WinXP on C: (again). So, should I boot up, format D: first, then
restart, boot again from disk and Format C: This will effectively clean
both hard drives. Is this a viable option? Then I plan to install XP on
the clean C: drive (again booting from floppy disk.

If there's a simpler way, please advise. I just want to give away a clean
install.

Thanks!

Lynn
Reinstalling X

 

[Patrick Keenan]

Hi again,

Looks like I'm going to reformat my system. Somewhere in the past the C:
and D: drives have been reversed which is not a problem, i.e., the C:
drive
is now the smaller one. Anyway, it looks as though my Windows folders (My
Documents, etc.) are being referenced on the D: drive whereas Windows is
on
C:. How do ensure that these files on D: will not be used? I tried
formatting the D: drive but it says they're in use and the drive cannot be
formatted. I have a boot disk that I can use to start the system
(actually
it's a WinME boot disk which just worked fine on the ME system). I plan
on
putting WinXP on C: (again). So, should I boot up, format D: first, then
restart, boot again from disk and Format C: This will effectively clean
both hard drives. Is this a viable option? Then I plan to install XP on
the clean C: drive (again booting from floppy disk.

If there's a simpler way, please advise. I just want to give away a clean
install.

Thanks!

Lynn
Reinstalling X

There is no need to use a floppy.

How many physical hard disks do you have? Are C and D two partitions on
one disk? Is all your data backed up?

You're apparently trying to format the D drive from within Windows, and as
it apparently has system files on it, you can't do that.

You do not need the ME boot diskette. Your bootable XP CD is all you need.
Your ME boot disk cannot format NTFS, which is a drawback.

If you want to protect the D drive, and if it's a second disk, simply remove
it from the system during the install. This will cause XP to see and use
only the C drive. Afterwards, you can add the D drive back in and change
the My Documents location.

If you're looking at wiping "both" drives anyway, if they are actually one
disk, I'd suggest deleting both partitions and creating one the full size of
the disk; there isn't a large benefit to be had from partitioning. If they
are two disks, again, simply remove the disk you don't want to use as C,
delete and recreate the partition and format it as NTFS, then reinstall,
then add the other disk, and use the Disk Management tool to delete and
recreate partitions, and format NTFS. This will ensure that there is no
confusion as to drive lettering during install.

Again, there is absolutely no need for the floppy if you have a bootable XP
CD.

HTH
-pk

 

[Twayne]

Hi again,

Looks like I'm going to reformat my system. Somewhere in the past
the C: and D: drives have been reversed which is not a problem, i.e.,
the C: drive is now the smaller one. Anyway, it looks as though my
Windows folders (My Documents, etc.) are being referenced on the D:
drive whereas Windows is on C:. How do ensure that these files on D:
will not be used? I tried formatting the D: drive but it says
they're in use and the drive cannot be formatted. I have a boot disk
that I can use to start the system (actually it's a WinME boot disk
which just worked fine on the ME system). I plan on putting WinXP on
C: (again). So, should I boot up, format D: first, then restart,
boot again from disk and Format C: This will effectively clean both
hard drives. Is this a viable option? Then I plan to install XP on
the clean C: drive (again booting from floppy disk.

If there's a simpler way, please advise. I just want to give away a
clean install.

Thanks!

Lynn
Reinstalling X

For the reinstall, unplug D, assumign it's a second physical hard drive
from the way you described it.
If it's not and is just a partition on the same drive C is on, then go
into your CMOS/System settings and turn it off there. I can't tell
where it is in the setting because it depends on the BIOS mfg you have.
That way there is no D drive during the reinstall.
Youre description sounds like someone put parts of the OS on drive D
to save space on C. Be sure you have enough room on C before you start.
More than a 10 Gig drive, preferably 40 or 80 Gig.

Forget the floppy unless it's part of the computer's restore
instructions you have. IF so, test the floppy to be sure it still
works; floppies lose data after several months to a year. Easiest way
to test it is to copy it all to your hard drive. If it'll copy chances
are great the floppy is fine.

Use the XP CD to reinstall. Or if you don't have a CD for restoring,
find the instructions on how to restore the computer since the files
might reside on a hidden partition in drive C.

Formatting is a bad thing unless you are CERTAIN your restore files
aren't on it in a hidden partition.
Formatting a drive is not how you do a clean install of windows.
A clean install of windows required the XP CD and you start right from
deleting and recreating the partitions, and then format.

When done, the put drive D back.

HTH

 

[Ray Parrish]

For the reinstall, unplug D, assumign it's a second physical hard drive
from the way you described it.
If it's not and is just a partition on the same drive C is on, then go
into your CMOS/System settings and turn it off there. I can't tell
where it is in the setting because it depends on the BIOS mfg you have.

Wow! I haven't been into a BIOS set up screen in a long time, but I
don't remember any settings that addressed partitions on a physical
drive, just settings for the physical drives.

I guess I'll have to take a look the next time I boot up and see if
they've added that ability since the last time I looked.

Later, Ray Parrish

 

[Lynn Q]

Wow! I haven't been into a BIOS set up screen in a long time, but I
don't remember any settings that addressed partitions on a physical
drive, just settings for the physical drives.

I guess I'll have to take a look the next time I boot up and see if
they've added that ability since the last time I looked.

Later, Ray Parrish

Hi there,

Thanks for all the info. First, these are two independent hard drives. I
should explain I am not familiar or comfortable with hardware; software not
a problem. I think something happened to the system way back when and
someone kindly helped me out by referencing the files to be stored on the
alternate drive. Now I can remove everything from the system as I already
have this all backed up, so not an issue.

IF (and that's a big IF) I decide to format the D: drive (which currently
contains the referenced files and which is the 55 GB drive) what problems
with subsequent software installations (after Windows) will I encounter. If
Windows is installed on D: then will everything logically follow to D: or
the default of C:?

I wondered if I format C: (smaller but current Windows) drive first, then
format D: (referenced files that I need to remove anyway) then am I better
off reinstalling Windows to C: (smaller 30 GB drive) or to D: (larger 55 GB
drive).

I only want to do this one time, so any advise is very much appreciated.

Thanks again!

Lynn

 

[db.·.. >]

i would leave the d drive
"as is" and focus on the c drive.

it is unclear as to why
you would want to reformat
any of the drives.

however, the alternative to a
reformt and reinstallation of the o.s.
is a method called "repair installation";

whereas missing and corrupted
system files on the disk are
replaced with genuine ones
from a cd.

---------------------

when you boot with the cd and
after it installs some setup files,
the installation will then scan your
disks for drive space and for
installed o.s.'s.

my suggestion is to select the
o.s. on the c drive and proceed
with a repair.

if the repair is successful, your
o.s. will be functional and stable
again.

however, if windows still performs
poorly then you will have the opportunity
to boot again with the cd, selecting
the installation on the c drive and
then re-install the o.s., as you intended.

the option to format the c will
also be made available.

however, keeping an open mind,
if after windows still performs poorly
after a "repair installation", then it is
unlikely that a reformat and re-installation
of the o.s. will be any better, especially
if it is faulty hardware that is causing
your o.s. to be unstable.
--

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
- Systems Analyst
- Database Developer
- Accountancy
- Veteran of the Armed Forces

 

[Lynn Q]

i would leave the d drive
"as is" and focus on the c drive.

it is unclear as to why
you would want to reformat
any of the drives.

however, the alternative to a
reformt and reinstallation of the o.s.
is a method called "repair installation";

whereas missing and corrupted
system files on the disk are
replaced with genuine ones
from a cd.

---------------------

when you boot with the cd and
after it installs some setup files,
the installation will then scan your
disks for drive space and for
installed o.s.'s.

my suggestion is to select the
o.s. on the c drive and proceed
with a repair.

if the repair is successful, your
o.s. will be functional and stable
again.

however, if windows still performs
poorly then you will have the opportunity
to boot again with the cd, selecting
the installation on the c drive and
then re-install the o.s., as you intended.

the option to format the c will
also be made available.

however, keeping an open mind,
if after windows still performs poorly
after a "repair installation", then it is
unlikely that a reformat and re-installation
of the o.s. will be any better, especially
if it is faulty hardware that is causing
your o.s. to be unstable.

Hi there,

Thanks for the update. I'm reformatting because I'll be giving the system
away and I'll also be wiping the drives. I'm assuming that wiping will
clear off all the personal stuff that I don't want to go with the system.
Formatting and then running a clean install will just tidy everything up and
give the next user a good starting point.

Unless I'm missing something (entirely possible) if I had a utility to just
clean all the personal stuff from the system, then is there still a need to
re-install XP from scratch? I've cleaned off e-mail accounts, all my
personal documents, etc, and cleaned up bookmarks. Also, cleaned up
Internet Explorer (files, cache, etc.).

So. Bottom line. As I haven't done the formatting yet, what exactly would
be the best method to pursue? Wipe? (If so, what with). Reformat? I'm
concerned that there may well be much personal information residing within
the registry for example. What else should I be checking for to remove?

Thanks again! All advice much appreciated.

Lynn

 

[db.·.. >]

well, if it were me i would
simply remove the old harddrives
and use them on the new system
as slave drives.

in doing the above i would be
keeping all my data for future
reference, the data would be in
safe keeping and i would have
peace of mind as well.

then i would either donate
the pc without the harddrive
or i would buy a small and
inexpensive harddrive for it
if i were donating it to a
school or church or club or
organization that i cared about.

the above would serve two
purposes:

1) giving the pc w/o a hd would
be a clear indication to the
recipient that a new harddrive
would be required and

2) a operating system license
would have to be purchased
by the recipient as well.

-------------------

however, if you still want to donate
the machine with the hard disk(s),
then a wipe and a full format
(not quick format) and reinstallation
of the o.s. should be ok.

however if you plan on keeping your
windows for your current machine and
use, then it would not make sense to
donate a copy of it as well, since
after it is installed it will have to
be activated.

people sometimes forget microsoft's
commitment and bottom line against
software piracy.

so if the o.s. has already been activated
on your current pc, it won't be allowed
to be activated on the one you are
reinstalling and donating.

however, here is a link with more
information and tips:

http://www.microsoft.com/Education/TenTips.mspx

http://search.microsoft.com/results.aspx?form=MSHOME&setlang=en-us&q=donating+a+pc&mkt=en-us
--

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
- Systems Analyst
- Database Developer
- Accountancy
- Veteran of the Armed Forces

 

[Twayne]

Wow! I haven't been into a BIOS set up screen in a long time, but I
don't remember any settings that addressed partitions on a physical
drive, just settings for the physical drives.

I guess I'll have to take a look the next time I boot up and see if
they've added that ability since the last time I looked.

Later, Ray Parrish

Hi there,

Thanks for all the info. First, these are two independent hard
drives.[/QUOTE]

Excellent; that simplifies things.

I should explain I am not familiar or comfortable with

hardware; software not a problem. I think something happened to the
system way back when and someone kindly helped me out by referencing
the files to be stored on the alternate drive.

Understood. I know quite a few people who have tried to offload parts
of the operating system to another drive in order to create more space
onthe boot drive. With a little effort, a lot of things can be
offloaded to another drive, but it's a VERY BAD IDEA for reasons you're
running into and others too.

Now I can remove

everything from the system as I already have this all backed up, so
not an issue.

THAT is great! Not many people are able to say that.
Just for the heck of it, your backup includes your e-mail files, IE
Favorites, newsgroups, things like that, right? Or you can easily
recreate them?

IF (and that's a big IF) I decide to format the D: drive (which
currently contains the referenced files and which is the 55 GB drive)
what problems with subsequent software installations (after Windows)
will I encounter. If Windows is installed on D: then will everything
logically follow to D: or the default of C:?

Without knowing what is on D, I cannot answer except to say that
anything on D is obviously going to quit working. If it's data, it'll
be gone. If it's part of the OS, it's going to crash windows. If it's
programs, they are going to be trashed. You may have substantial
registry issues. You may end up with no recourse except to start over
and rebuild everything from scratch; it depends on what is on drive D.
If windows is installed on D, and you format it, you will no longer
be able to boot windows after formatting it. There is no "default" that
will automatically switch. Everything will always look to the boot
drive (system drive) no matter what you do, even if it's just to get an
instruction to go to a different drive.

I wondered if I format C: (smaller but current Windows) drive first,
then format D: (referenced files that I need to remove anyway) then
am I better off reinstalling Windows to C: (smaller 30 GB drive) or
to D: (larger 55 GB drive).

OK, this depends. 30 Gig is plenty of room for most people to run
windows XP and have a reasonable set of application software. I am a
rather heavy user and, NOT counting My Documents, which lives on another
drive and is huge, I am only using around 20 Gig of space. I have some
pretty large and powerful applications installed there, too. The My
Documents folder, however, is about 21 Gig in size. That's a lot larger
than most people have and smaller than some. And then I have 3 more
drives that hold a lot more data. But my system drive is only about 20
Gig total.
You could probably also live very well with 30 Gig for your system
(boot) drive. If space got to be a problem, or if you just want to
separate them, then you would use My Documents Properties and the Move
button to put the My Documents folder onto the other drive. (Right
click My Documents, click Move, enter the new home for it.)

The easiest way to get everything straightened out is going to be to do
what's called a "clean install" of windows XP, not a format. And keep
in mind that you can NOT format a drive you are trying to run the format
program from either; it's like cutting off a tree branch and sitting on
the outside of the saw cut.

Do you have an XP CD? Or are your restore files in a hidden partition
on a disk drive?
If you have a CD with XP, then you just make sure you can boot from your
CD drive, pop the CD in, and do a Restart to boot from it.
Then you use D to delete the partitions of all the drives you have,
and C I think it is to recreate them, one partition for each drive, and
make C a boot drive. After that, you just follow the onscreen
instructions. Then install antivirus, turn on the firewall, and let XP
update itself. That will take quite a but of time and a lot of restarts
unless you have SP2 or SP3 on CD. If I were you I'd download SP2 and 3
(if you need both of them) so they're handy instead of waiting all that
time for windows to download an dinstall htem.

Then after that's all up and running, you start to rebuild the rest of
your programs and restore your data.

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html or

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/operatingsystems/ss/instxpclean1.htm or

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp

Then once you're back up and everything is running smooth, look into
Norton Ghost or Acronis True Image for imaging your drives and in the
future this whole process can be a few key clicks and an hour or so
instead of several hours over a couple days to get it all back together
again.

HTH

Twayne

 

[Patrick Keenan]

Hi there,

Thanks for all the info. First, these are two independent hard drives. I
should explain I am not familiar or comfortable with hardware; software
not
a problem. I think something happened to the system way back when and
someone kindly helped me out by referencing the files to be stored on the
alternate drive. Now I can remove everything from the system as I already
have this all backed up, so not an issue.

IF (and that's a big IF) I decide to format the D: drive (which currently
contains the referenced files and which is the 55 GB drive) what problems
with subsequent software installations (after Windows) will I encounter.
If
Windows is installed on D: then will everything logically follow to D: or
the default of C:?

I wondered if I format C: (smaller but current Windows) drive first, then
format D: (referenced files that I need to remove anyway) then am I better
off reinstalling Windows to C: (smaller 30 GB drive) or to D: (larger 55
GB
drive).

I only want to do this one time, so any advise is very much appreciated.

Thanks again!

Lynn

There's another issue here. A 30 gig drive is going to be pretty old, and
you should consider that drives do wear out and that the MTBF, Mean Time
Before Failure, is an important characteristic on the drive specs. There
is likely a date of manufacture printed on the drive.

If you expect to keep this system going for some time, look at the dates on
the drives, look at the MTBF, and consider the two. Consider also that a
new 80 gig drive will probably run you around $40, and will likely be faster
as well.

It doesn't matter what sequence you format the drives in. If you want to
be sure that the OS goes to a specific disk, install just one at first.

HTH
-pk