1. You are viewing our forum as a guest. For full access please Register. WindowsBBS.com is completely free, paid for by advertisers and donations.

Resolved Reinstall, Repair, or Recovery Console

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by virginia, 2013/02/26.

  1. 2013/02/26
    virginia Lifetime Subscription

    virginia Geek Member Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2002/01/07
    Messages:
    1,100
    Likes Received:
    26
    My son has an HP Laptop, zd8000 that is several years old. He had a bad infection a year or so ago that Broni cleaned up for us but it has never been the same - slow at times with some of the desktop icons and folders missing information. We have done all the cleanups, defrags, on line scans and file/folder recovery utilities with little effect.

    We know it's time to get rid of the unit and move to a newer one - which he will do soon - but we would like to do something to see if we can get it perking again. We have backed up all the data and have the original Windows discs that came with the unit as well as a Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3 disc.

    I have searched out different alternatives and we are unsure as to whether to do a clean install, a repair install, or use the recovery console. We've never done any of these so anything will be new to us and we may need a bit of guidance.
     
    virginia,
    #1
  2. 2013/02/26
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/05/10
    Messages:
    28,896
    Likes Received:
    389
    If your XP disks are OEM, i.e. supplied by HP the possibility of a repair install is remote as the computer is running (apparently) SP3 and a repair must be done with a CD at the same SP level as the installed OS. Also it is not possible to slipstream SP3 into an OEM CD.

    If you have retail XP CD then it is possible.

    I think your best bet is a clean install given that you have access to the chipset drivers for the laptop - check out the HP website for these, and all software disks.
     
    PeteC,
    #2


  3. to hide this advert.

  4. 2013/02/26
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

    Joined:
    2006/09/10
    Messages:
    7,919
    Likes Received:
    511
    Hi Robert. I agree with Pete. I think doing a clean install of Windows XP will bring new life to the old laptop especially when there could still be issues with the old installation. A clean install will give you more control with what software programs you install and you can have piece of mind knowing that no junk or malicious programs will be present on the clean install of Windows XP.
     
    Evan Omo,
    #3
  5. 2013/02/26
    virginia Lifetime Subscription

    virginia Geek Member Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2002/01/07
    Messages:
    1,100
    Likes Received:
    26
    Thanks for the input - that was the type of guidance I was seeking. It will be several days before I have access to the laptop so I will get started and report back as to how things go.
     
    virginia,
    #4
  6. 2013/02/27
    virginia Lifetime Subscription

    virginia Geek Member Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2002/01/07
    Messages:
    1,100
    Likes Received:
    26
    virginia,
    #5
  7. 2013/02/27
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/05/10
    Messages:
    28,896
    Likes Received:
    389
    Yes - a very comprehensive guide with screenshots to match - you should be good to go :)

    However if you have OEM disk from HP the procedure may be a little different - check out the manual if you have it or look on the HP site.
     
    PeteC,
    #6
  8. 2013/02/27
    MrBill

    MrBill SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

    Joined:
    2006/01/14
    Messages:
    4,329
    Likes Received:
    270
    Got agree with Pete and Evan on this. Best way to go. Then get all your updates from Windows and reinstall any programs that you want.
     
    MrBill,
    #7
  9. 2013/02/27
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

    Joined:
    2006/09/10
    Messages:
    7,919
    Likes Received:
    511
    Yes, that guide is very thorough and you should have no problems installing Windows XP.

    Also make sure that if the CD that you are using to install Windows XP does not include Service Pack 3 that you install SP3/Internet Explorer 8 and your security software before you go online if possible. You don't want to get any malware infections due to having an unpatched system.
     
    Evan Omo,
    #8
  10. 2013/03/16
    virginia Lifetime Subscription

    virginia Geek Member Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2002/01/07
    Messages:
    1,100
    Likes Received:
    26
    I haven't been able to run the procedure on the laptop yet due to family medical problems. I feel confident the procedure will work when I get to it so I will go a head and mark this resolved. If I run into problems with it, I will ask that the thread be reopened or else start a new thread.
     
    virginia,
    #9
  11. 2013/03/16
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

    Joined:
    2006/09/10
    Messages:
    7,919
    Likes Received:
    511
    Ok then. Good luck on the reinstall of Windows XP. :)
     
    Evan Omo,
    #10
  12. 2013/03/24
    Lugwalker Lifetime Subscription

    Lugwalker Forever Autumn

    Joined:
    2002/01/26
    Messages:
    602
    Likes Received:
    7
    I've used the following non-destructive (save all your data) reinstall procedure about three times already and have been extremely happy with the speed, simplicity and effectiveness, of the process. I've even printed it out and keep it in my computer desk for future use.

    Fred Langa shows you how to completely rebuild, repair, or refresh an existing XP installation without losing data, and without having to reinstall user software, reformat, or otherwise destructively alter the setup.

    http://www.informationweek.co.uk/wi...-letter-xps-no-reformat-nondestruct/189400897

    Do the same with Win7:

    https://windowssecrets.com/newsletter/win7s-no-reformat-nondestructive-reinstall/
     
    Lugwalker,
    #11
  13. 2013/03/24
    MrBill

    MrBill SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

    Joined:
    2006/01/14
    Messages:
    4,329
    Likes Received:
    270
    I have done what you did before with no problems. But I have heard horror stories about loosing stuff. That is why I always recommend back up anything that you don't want to loose. Address book, Favorites/Bookmarks, Pictures, Music etd. Better to be safe than sorry. :D
     
    MrBill,
    #12

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...