Re-installing OS & all applications

I have a need to re-install a clean version of Windows XP Pro and all application programs. Windows XP requires activation but how do I deactivate in order to re-install? I also had to activate many applications but there is no indication of how to deactivate them either? Is there any need/purpose in removing applications before reformatting? Help would be appreciated.

Chuck

 

Pete,

Thanks for the response.

I followed your lead. Booted up in WinXP64 and reformatted (not quick!!) drive G which is the boot drive for WinXP. Then, when I went to install Windows XP, it told me that an os was already there and did I want to delete it.??? I thought I had reformatted and everything on drive G was gone. So I said, delete. The installation went well. Followed up with the installation of SP 2. The registry was clear. Started to re-install programs and found that G:\Program Files still had folders for all the applications????

Furthermore, I was previously user Chuck and am user Chuck again. But, while G:\Documents & Settings still has the old entries for Chuck, my new entries are under Chuck.ChuckXP64 where ChuckXP64 is the name of the PC.

Why wasn't everything in G-drive erased? What did I do wrong? ... or did I? I really feel bewildered to say the least.

Chuck

 

Hi Chuck,
Seems like you selected "Reinstall" rather than Format. It rewrites Windows over the old Windows. If you like it this way I could help you get your old My Documents folder back. If you don't like this, rerun the Windows installation, but don't select Reinstall. If you format you will get a warning that all data on the drive will be lost.

Matt

 

Matt & Pete,

Thanks a lot guys. I could have sworn I chose format to clean out the partition and install ... but obviously I went wrong. Maybe this is just proof of the fact that I am a "senior ". I tried to reformat the partition first since I could not boot from the installation disk ... and, yes, the bios was set to boot off the CD first. Just a sign of how badly the system had deteriorated.

Since I've already re-installed a number of applications ... I'm going to have breakfast first before starting over. I had made a seperate backup of Documents and Settings in order to recover my Outlook Calender, MacroExpress shortcuts, etc. Starting over will also clean up the new Documents and Settings.

This time I'll print out your checklist Pete, and go from there.

Thaks again,

Chuck

 

When I restore (correctly this time), the boot drive got another drive letter. Can I change that by booting off a bootable disk? Or is that set in stone?

Chuck

 

Thanks, Pete. So be it. The C-drive is actually my WinXP64 boot drive. The G-drive has been my WinXP boot drive. Since I also have an external USB drive too, the WinXP boot drive is H. Will need to change some shortcuts and links but won't forget next time.

You guys are great!

Chuck