Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Help with one final reinstall of XP before support goes away

Feb 7, 2014 7:42AM PST
Question:

Need help with one final reinstall of XP before support goes away


Hello. Before Windows XP support totally goes away, I am thinking about wiping everything off of my laptop to do a fresh install with Service Packs 2 and 3, and all of the updates. I was wondering if your community members could post instructions on how to re-install XP one last time to rebuild an XP machine from scratch (essentially). Also, if you could kindly please let me know if there are any pointers for do's and don't's that I should be aware of before I proceed, that would be very helpful. Thank you.

-- Submitted by: Marie M.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Just one datapoint.
Feb 18, 2014 4:15AM PST

Hi,
I've used Windows since it started, way back when pteranodons were around and the last BSOD I had was in Win95. That happened because I was running several downloads, a game or two, email, a browser (Netscape?) and some other stuff. Win95 just couldn't cope and went toes up.
I've never had a BSOD on my home machines since.
My monstrous Win7 box runs video, TV, copying, filing, emails, browsers, SETI, EINSTEIN and ASTEROIDS at home and doesn't even slow down for a breather.
However, every single Windows machine I've ever had loses wireless. Every one. Sometimes when I'm copying multi-gigabyte files, sometimes when I'm watching TV and sometimes just because it gets bored. It switches from one network to another with annoying frequency. It's a very small pain as the wi-fi printer won't sit on two networks, so it gets lost. As does other stuff.
I know the answer: don't let Windows control the network connection, or even replace Windows with a *Nixxy flavour, but neither appeal.
Maybe if it gets more annoying.

- Collapse -
XP
Feb 14, 2014 1:23PM PST

I have one XP in the garage next to a IBM Win 3.0 its time to move on to a more safer O/S go and upgrade hardware
and O/S you wont regret it.(Systems Builder for 20 years)

- Collapse -
There's a lot of good advice here
Feb 14, 2014 1:30PM PST

I have some additional hints:

When I do a clean install, the first thing I do is gather what I need. I get the manufacturer disks or burn backup disks from the restore partition (if you have a restore partition, which is likely, you can restore the factory image from that, but burn the disks and keep them anyway). If the manufacturer disks or restore partition don't exist, a Windows disk is necessary. Go through your start menu and the list of programs in the control panel's uninstall programs feature (some programs are listed on one, but not the other), and list every program added to your computer. This is an important list, so think hard and take your time. If you are not using manufacturer disks or partition, go to your manufacturer's support site and find all updated drivers for your machine (in fact, you might want to get them anyway, so that you can update them immediately after the clean install).

I divide my programs into two lists: paid programs and free programs. The reason I do this is because free programs seldom need to be activated or installed with activation numbers, but paid programs often do. If the program in question is downloaded from the internet, find it online and download the latest version's install file (make sure it is an install file). Keep these files in a folder you set up for this purpose. If an install file cannot be obtained, then make a txt document with a list of the urls you will need to reinstall the programs. Make it a txt document because you may not have your word processing program installed when you use it.

Gather all of the disks from programs you have installed from disk. If you do not have the disks anymore, then see if the manufacturer will allow you to download an install file from their support site. Important: gather up ALL of your necessary numbers. This means the Windows install information and the information you need to install added programs. Make sure you have accurate numbers for every program. If a program uses an unusual activation method, such as Roboform (you must log into the website after you install it and provide your order number), then make sure you have what you need to do this. Take note of the steps needed. Make a txt document that contains all of this information and save it. Print the information out, so that you can refer to it as you are installing.

Make a list of the steps you need to take when doing the clean install. Print it out. Use it as a checklist when you are doing the clean install.

The more time and energy you take preparing for your clean install, the smoother it will go. It is both a time saver and comforting to have those lists right there with you when you are working. I could go on and on with tips and tricks, but you can plan out any personalized steps yourself. Take note of anything that you wish you had done differently, and plan to include it the next time you do a clean install.

Last of all, don't forget to make a full backup of your C drive immediately after you have finished the clean install. You can use this as a base later, if you do another. Don't go on the internet for anything except updates before you make this backup. This keeps it as clean as possible.

Yes, you can upgrade to another OS at any time. If you have the money, and you are willing to spend it, it is not a bad idea. Windows XP is not dead, though, and there is no reason to simply throw it away. If you do buy a new computer, then do a clean install and give your old computer to someone who needs it.

- Collapse -
Oh, I forgot!
Feb 14, 2014 1:34PM PST

When you have gathered all of your programs and information, burn the lot to a CD or DVD to be used when you need it during the clean install. I do a fresh one each time I do a clean install. Not only does it allow me to simply install my programs from one disk, it also gives me a copy of the programs I used for later reference. If a program is no longer available, or if I can't find it, I can go back to my old clean install disks and find it.

- Collapse -
Good post!
Feb 14, 2014 2:43PM PST

The good thing about having all those application install files, is it reduces the need to go out on the internet and risk getting malware before your favorite firewall, AV, or AM solution is on there. Even if the setup file has to access the internet, you'll know it is going where it is supposed to instead of a poser site. In fact one the the 1st things I do after updating and installing these apps, is install the WOT plugin for Internet Explorer, that way I know I'm going to a trusted site to gather anything that I may have missed right after the install.

WOT - Web-Of-Trust

- Collapse -
Restore Partition
Feb 14, 2014 6:28PM PST

XP does not have a restore partition or the ability to create a restore disc.

- Collapse -
Restore partitions are standard
Feb 15, 2014 1:19AM PST

They are not part of the OS. They are put in by the manufacturer. Nearly all laptops have them. That's how they get away with not letting you have the disks. The restore partition puts the computer back to factory state-- including all of the bloatware. The advantage is that the drivers will already be installed.

- Collapse -
XP O/S
Feb 14, 2014 2:15PM PST

Hi!

Here is my two bits! I am an avid XP user as it is the best O/S Bill Gates has put out! I am about to do the same thing as a fresh install is done by me every so often. This time however once all the updates are done I will burn the C: drive image. I use a partitioned drive so loss of data will not occur. I have a clone so I have my mother board drivers. If you don't have them then go to the appropriate websites and download them then burn them or put them on a thumb drive for use later. Do the same thing with your printer, scanner or web cam etc. if you don't have the disks.
My first PC was strictly a dos one with those cumbersome floppies. Second one was a Compaq with restore disks that drove me crazy! SO when I built the one I use now I have a licensed version of XP Home with my mother board drivers that you don't get from PC manufacturers. I have never agreed with the fact that when you buy a PC fully loaded with Windows you do not get the windows disk even though that is part of the retail pricing.
Not to be to long winded here it is too bad that with electronics today, especially PC's it is all about money and not about keeping the consumer happy!
Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8 are just a money grab and not efficient. Good luck with your choice as we all have our own opinions!!!!

- Collapse -
Just so folks don't get confused..
Feb 14, 2014 2:51PM PST

Partitioning a drive is a good thing - but don't forget that if the operating system fails because the hard drive is going bad, you will lose everything anyway. You can always back up to another separate media source, then you have the best of both worlds. Usually it is just the operating system that gets hosed though, so having those partitions is golden for sure.

- Collapse -
Just so folks don't get confused
Feb 14, 2014 11:34PM PST

So far I have been fortunate I suppose that if my HD crashes and I have already burned my important data I have still been able to slave the old drive and get my stuff. I find it is usually the C partition that craps out on me and the other partitions survive the hit!

- Collapse -
That's right
Feb 16, 2014 2:51AM PST

A system drive accesses the boot sector but a slaved drive doesn't need to, so if the boot sector area has gone bad on the disc, it can still be accessed as a slave to pull data from it.

- Collapse -
Why not go to a multiboot setup ?
Feb 14, 2014 6:25PM PST

I am always astonished how few people take the path to set up a multiboot system which offers the choice from a number of operating systems from very old to the most recent. On my system I have the choice between DOS, Win2000, XP (twice) and Win 7. For compatibiliy reasons I can always step down to one of the older systems if a program does not run OK on Win 7.( I dislike Win 8 due to its weird structure). It is important only to follow the order of installation starting with DOS (which needs a floppy drive and the original flopys - but few people will need DOS).
During installation, you will be asked for the partition where you want to have the installation. This implies that the HD has been partitioned properly. Use easeus or alike to do this. For example C:DOS 2 GB, D:Win2000 15 GB, E:XP 30 GB, F: Win 7 60 GB. After the out of XP service you need only to cut the network acces in XP and you can still use all other features.

An additional comfort can be reached if you have already usedseparate HDs for the system and data as I have. Then you add an icy box drawer which allows for easy physical swap of the system disk. Set up a new system disk as described above and keep the old one as a fallback.

Unfortunately, the last proposal cannot be used for laptops. Yet multiboot can also be applied for Laptops.

- Collapse -
XP Pro SP3 DISK
Feb 14, 2014 6:44PM PST

If you need to create an installation disk, I have the iso for XP Pro SP3. You can create a bootable cd/dvd easily with imgburn software which is a free program and works perfect. This disk will install the system and updates will be available immediately. Because this iso is about 700mb, I would be happy to upload it to your personal email address, with instructions of how to install and activate it.

- Collapse -
your kind offer
Feb 26, 2014 1:24AM PST

terry - thanks for your offer of xp pro sp3 installation disk and instructions. my address is: peterwolff@yahoo.com

best, peter

- Collapse -
Please send iso file
Feb 26, 2014 5:11AM PST

Hi Terry,

After trying to reinstall XP from a disc without the updates, I would appreciate a copy od the iso and instructions.
My email address for the iso is CharlesLBachman@gmail.com.

Thanks,
Charlie

- Collapse -
XP Pro SP3 disk
Feb 26, 2014 7:57AM PST

I expect you are already overwhelmed with requests, but if not, may I ad my name/email to request the iso for XO Pro SP3? I am determined to keep XP for as long as possible. Thanks. msmander@gmail.com

- Collapse -
Never post your email in the clear.
Feb 26, 2014 8:01AM PST

I'm sure the OP meant email him on his address in his profile.
You're risking a spamming.

Dafydd.

- Collapse -
email
Feb 26, 2014 9:58AM PST

Thus the junkmail address. LOL. I can choose what to open/read.

- Collapse -
You can download this disk from Microsoft
Feb 26, 2014 8:14AM PST

I doubt if you can email this image because it's several hundred megabytes. However you can download it from Microsoft's web site here:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=25129
`
Personally I think you're taking a big risk at picking up malware if you stay on SP3, but it's your computer and your choice.

- Collapse -
Saving lifes
Feb 14, 2014 8:52PM PST

Be Linux, my friend!

- Collapse -
Help with one final reinstall of XP before support goes away
Feb 14, 2014 10:46PM PST

The best advise to help you is to join CNET's Windows XP forum, there are hundreds of XP fans willing to help, with
solutions to the most simple XP problem. All you need is a little patience to search for it. There is also another helper called Google Search, just tell what your problem is, and there will be thousands answers and solutions. Microsoft ending support for XP, does not mean that XP community will dissapear or will not support each other in a way or another, there will always be an XP community willing to help, the same way as Linux or any other OS's. So don't panic, just do your digging and searching homework. Regards..Elhijodelpeje.

- Collapse -
XP install buy new hard drive
Feb 14, 2014 10:47PM PST

with this old computer replacing the hard drive will ensure you will have no failure that will cause you to loose all the updates. also I would download all these XP updates to a secure location and dvd if they are required later..

sure you could buy a new computer , but these new computers are not very durable. also the cost of the new software that you will need is a bigger expense than the computer. I have some very old computers ,that do not go on line and have all the expensive Microsoft programs to do my office work...being not used on the internet no issues with antivirus etc...

you could also not use this XP computer on the internet. buy new computer and only use it for internet use.. then the XP you use for your work with your programs secure..

- Collapse -
Upgrade Install of XP
Feb 15, 2014 1:39AM PST

I usually use an Upgrade Install of XP because it overwrites the needed operating system files while leaving personal files intact, and without the need to back the personal files up, plus the service packs will probably stay and work as long as the service packs are not missing/corrupted. As long as windows will boot, you should be able to boot into windows, put the XP disk in the drive, and then just select upgrade install.

- Collapse -
I love my old XP machine
Feb 15, 2014 6:45AM PST

I have an older custom built computer that uses Windows XP and I find that I just can't part with it or the XP that runs it. I treasure it and care for it like my son does for his 1970's VW Bug. That being said I have another desktop and a laptop that run on Windows 8.1 and Windows 8 respectively. They are the computers I use on a daily basis.

The only advice I have for Marie and anyone else out there who has a much beloved XP machine is to consider buying a new computer and make the transition to a new OS gradually if you can. I realize that sooner or later (probably sooner) XP will no longer be usable for most of what I do on my computers. Newer programs simply won't be supported by it. Does that mean my old machine will go to the recycling scrapheap? It does not. I am going to do what Marie is doing. Format my hard drive, reinstall XP and all of it's updates and hope I can successfully reinstall my old programs. For me it will be a labor of love.

- Collapse -
Future XP installs
Feb 15, 2014 11:00AM PST

Copy and paste the links below to your web browser.
Save each of the downloads to your Hard Drive, DO NOT install them.

After you have each of the Service Packs downloaded to your Hard drive, BURN each one
to a CD SEPERATELY. If you loose one you still have a fighting chance for future installs and reboots
for corrupt XP machines (Virus).

When you do a new build, especially for or on a machine that you will install Win XP
it is equally important that you keep your Motherboard(s) driver(s) CD in a safe place !

It has been a daunting task to find those drivers on the internet given the countless MOBOs
and models for Dells and Intels and others.

Office XP SP2:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=17984

Office XP SP3:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=23334

Windows XP SP2, Network Installation For IT Professionals and Developers:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=28

Windows XP SP3, Network Installation For IT Professionals and Developers:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=24

Run each service pack as needed.
----------------------------------------
Something I have been working on with A new PC for my Employer.
We have a piece of hardware (Kimosetter 340) that will only work with windows XP or earlier
and we are also prepairing the same PC for the Kimo Windows 7 drivers or Kimo 410 (When we can afford it).

If you have a new install/Build and the OS Windows 7 and Windows XP OEM.
Make sure to get or have a 750+ GB hard drive installed.

Your going to do a MultiBoot install. You will have to Install the earlier OS first then windows 7 or 8.
Split your hard drive in two equal partitions 375/375 (unpartitioned No OS) +/-17mb.

When you go to install Windows 7 or 8 Install it on the partitioned area of the disk THAT DOES NOT SHOW WINDOWS XP. (Unpartitioned)
Do all the Service Pack updates before installing the second OS (Operating system).
Details:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/install-multiple-operating-system-multiboot#1TC=windows-7
------
Follow the directions above for the Service pack downloads and installs for the future.
I hope I helped and good luck.

IT pros please verify and confirm my details.

- Collapse -
If you ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO ...
Feb 15, 2014 3:15PM PST

I totally agree with the advice to move on.

Sooner or later, some piece of hardware is going to crater. If you're lucky it will be a hard disk, which you can probably replace. If it's anything else -- you're screwed! It's that simple!

If money is an issue, do you really need a laptop? A number of chains such as MicroCenter sell refurb off-lease desktops with Win 7 Home preinstalled plus a full-install disk. Because they're off lease, they're going to only be 3 years old, possibly less. They go for as low as $100 and include a new keyboard. Of course, you would need a monitor, but if you ask around there is somone who has a few 19-inch CRT monitors sitting in a closet that they don't need and don't want to throw in the garbage because they work fine. Not wide-screen, but still usable.

==========================
But if you must reinstall ...

BUY A REFURB HARD DISK AND A USB ADAPTER. (Not necessary if you know someone with a large spare drive they can loan you.) You can get the disk for around $20 and the adapter around $15. Make sure it's either Seagate or Western Digital. Before you buy, go to their website and download Acronis True Image free. Both free versions require one disk on the system from that manufacturer. In other words, Acronis True Image Western Digital Edition first checks for a WD hard disk and won't work unless there is at least one WD drive. If there is one disk from that manufacturer the software will work on any drive in the system. So get the software before you buy the drive!

Go to www.Todo-Backup.com and download Todo Backup Free edition.

Create a media boot disk with Acronis. I don't think you can create a media boot disk with Todo but if you can, also do that.

Do as many full backups as you can! If you can fit more than one backup on your external disk do it!

==========================
Then start your fresh install.

- Collapse -
No, that's just not so!
Feb 16, 2014 2:57AM PST

EVERY part of a computer can be replaced. The hard drives, the processor, the memory DIMMs, the graphics card, the power supply, all the way down to the fans and case. Maybe YOU would be screwed if anything other than the hard drive failed but if so that's because you don't know how to do it - yet! The cloning software (e.g. Acronis) has the option to clone a drive so that installing it will rebuild the hardware extraction layer.

That's the easier way, but even if you find yourself with a surprise dead motherboard you can still replace it without reinstalling Windows. Just follow these instructions at microsoft.com:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/824125

You can usually find your exact old motherboard still for sale online somewhere, but as long as you buy something comparable (not a huge upgrade) most likely the friendly Microsoft phone person will allow you to reactivate even an OEM version of Windows.

The ONLY part of a computer system that can't be replaced is the part that's unique: YOUR data.

- Collapse -
just not so
Feb 16, 2014 5:47AM PST

XP only !
I have changed mobo's and video cards at least twice and never had any problems
with just plugging in the HD's and off it goes.
then it was just getting updates on the various drivers from each mfg.

when I tried W7 - well - thats when the poop hit the fan when I tried upgradeing
the mobo - gotta pay another 200 clams - you know that these disks
work great at the range shooting clay ? a nice challenge Happy)

- Collapse -
Sign up for PerfectUpdater from Raxco
Feb 15, 2014 3:48PM PST

It is a service for updating drivers and it still supports XP. You install their software and run a scan, and it checks against a database. If you don't have the latest drivers it installs them. They only install original manufacturer's drivers.

Even if you don't have driver-related problems, the time it takes to go to all the manufacturers' websites and check for the latest drivers isn't worth it.

- Collapse -
Answers To The Point?
Feb 15, 2014 9:32PM PST

It amazes me that so many people MUST offer an answer to a question that was NOT asked.
The question is NOT about Ubuntu, NOT about Vista, NOT about 7 either.
Only two replies addressed the question and both answered the ACTUAL question.

I have XP on my PCs too, I will not 'upgrade' (in reality - downgrade) to 7 or 8.
I do not need a newer O/S because I have all the software that I require to do what I need those programs for.

Marie your laptop should have a program inbuilt to create a set of recovery discs on it, use it.