Microsoft Windows XP
 

can I copy my windows xp to hdd so that I can do a clean install faster?

if so how and how would I get it to boot to dos and let me choose my commands?

Re: Microsoft Windows XP
 

sounds like a chore! i recommend using the CD, much easier. are you trying to preserve information and only have one hard drive? i'm trying to see your point of view here

Re: Microsoft Windows XP
 

I have a partioned HDD. and from time to time as my computer bogs down I like to format c: and put a clean version of XP on it

Re: Microsoft Windows XP
 

[ QUOTE ]
I have a partioned HDD. and from time to time as my computer bogs down I like to format c: and put a clean version of XP on it

[/ QUOTE ]

Using the CD to install is the smart play.

Re: Microsoft Windows XP
 

i agree, nuke your xp partition and pave with the CD, nuke n pave. i hope you have a fair amount of space on your xp partition, leaving just enough for the xp installation is bad mmmmk?

Re: Microsoft Windows XP
 

I don't understand nuke n pave. i have 10 gigs set aside for the installation.

thx

Re: Microsoft Windows XP
 

Instead of doing a clean install, have you ever tried restoring the system to the time you first used XP. This might be a faster way to clean up your system.

Re: Microsoft Windows XP
 

nuke n pave means you format over the partition then install on that partition. you say you have your hard drive partitioned? your xp partition is 10 gigs? format that partition, then install on thre. that's a "nuke n pave"

i prefer to format the entire hard drive and start fresh, but i have two hard drives and it's easier to preserve my important files

Re: Microsoft Windows XP
 

Why not use a disk image program like Norton Ghost or Drive Image (used to be from Partition Magic folks?). Once you have a complete WinXP install, application of all MS updates, install of all required programs, etc.....make the image and then restore it once to test the process. The restoration process should only take 10-20 mins. unattended operation!

G'luck
gamb00ler

Re: Microsoft Windows XP
 

[ QUOTE ]
Why not use a disk image program like Norton Ghost or Drive Image (used to be from Partition Magic folks?). Once you have a complete WinXP install, application of all MS updates, install of all required programs, etc.....make the image and then restore it once to test the process. The restoration process should only take 10-20 mins. unattended operation!

G'luck
gamb00ler

[/ QUOTE ]

I reckon I should really learn how to do this, so this is the solution.

Thanks