Reinstalling windows (XP)

Bottle_of_Smoke

I need to reinstall because the comp keeps craching\not functioning properly etc..

Anyway when I go to install it tells me my windows is a newer version(from updating it off the net) and i could lose 'files+settings' if i delete the new version....

What files are these and how do i delete the newer version of windows I have?

Thanks

snappieT

You might as well do a clean install.
Make an MSDOS boot disk and format your drive. Install XP and all drivers, along with patches. Voila - brand new Windows.

You won't fix your problem by installing new XP onto patched XP. You need to delete everything (after backing up essential docs, etc.) and install from scratch

Bottle_of_Smoke

Cheers, does this mean all music\pictures\videos have to be backed up on an external device of some sort?

And how exactly would i do the clean install thing, where on the comp do i go and what do i do?

hshortt

Back up all your important files, then just boot off the XP CD and when prompted, format the drive as part of the installation.

Cheerio

Bottle_of_Smoke

but how will i be prompted? where does this happen

will all programs\games be gone too?

vibe666

best way to back up your system is with the files and settings transfer wizard (look under start > all programs > accessories and follow the promps.

it helps if you have somewhere to put the files such as a second hard drive, or dvd burner, or you'll be using a lot of floppy disks!

snappieT

if the cd is in, and your bios is set correcty, the cd will boot before windows