uninstalling old XP

Hi

I wanted to reinstall my windows xp, and reformat c, changing it from fat32 to ntfs, but after reboot to start installing, xp said it cannot reformat c as it has necessary files for the current setup process, so I installed in a different partition.

I've had bad experience with 2 xp's running in same system, for crashes happen somtimes. Anyhow, since I dont need the old installation of xp, I want to un-install it. I could just reformat c now. But also a previous experience taught me that this does not seem to be the rught procedure, as the startup file would still carry 2 boot choices. I once deleted the old choice, then my system never booted again!!!

So, what is the ideal way to un-install the old xp installation?
Its not listed in 'add/remove programs' like win. me used to be.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

Change your boot order to cd first, and use this for more info on a clen install.

Johanna

 

that was funny....
You remind me of the guy who didnt know how to change his car's ignission plugs, so his friend suggested that he buy himself a jet.
I'd rather need my situation addressed, thanks anyway

 

XP is not a program, it is an OS. If you want to get rid of it, format the partition it is on, after backing up your crucial files.
It may not let you do this, however, because Windows will detect the OS on C and protect it. That's why you had to install it on a diff partition in the first place. If you would have done a clean install to start with, you wouldn't be trying to untangle the mess.

Johanna

 

sallam - when you list your experience level as intermediate as you have, other posters make certain assumptions about your experience level and offer much less detailed advice than they would to someone listing experience as beginner.

I'd have to say that Johanna's first response was completely proper and appropriate given the experience level she saw.

 

Newt, there is a missunderstanding here, you dont have to be vulgar or anything.
I need someone to address my situation that I'm in, not try to turn the time backward and use the 'it would have been...' stuff.
It has nothing to do with your level or mine, you just need to practice a bit in how to read someone's question a little bit more carefully, and see if you can give help on 'what to do now...' if you can't, fine. Just leave it there, and someone polite might realy help.

 

I'm going to assume you have a limited ability to understand American English, because there was nothing impolite or vulgar in either Newt's or my responses. Newt is extremely capable and experienced, and can easily answer almost any question on the BBS because he does carefully pay attention to what people type. Even though you insulted me, I am going to tell you how to fix your computer. Read my first post!

Johanna

 

I am confused also. Click the link and it will give you a great step by step tutorial on how to wipe your hard drive and re-install Windows XP

1)pop in CD
2)folow instructions
3)delete all partitions
4) create new NTFS partition
5)follow instructions
6) complete installation

the link will give you better details than i just did......

 

What you want to do is complicated. The boot loader is in the original, I'll assume "C" drive. Had you booted with the CD, deleted "C" you wouldn't have this problem.
Here is a link for configuring the boot loader(boot.ini) using the recovery console. http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;q291980 Either install the recovery console or boot with the XP CD and pick R when the option comes up.

You can make a backup here is an example of backup for a dualboot situation . Quite a learning experience. Back up your stuff first. http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_repair_2k.htm

Johanna's instructions would be the way I do it. If you are unable to boot with the CD then you can download floppy boot software from Microsoft . There are versions for home and pro and both with SP1.
The good news is you can live with your dualboot until you have a plan. The Help and Support files can answer the rest.

 

Thanks very much guys all for helping me, and Johanna: where did I insult you? if you see I did, then please accept my apology, and yes, English is not my native language, but I'm learning. Your help is fabulous, but you were addressing a difrent situation. I did not ask how to do a fresh re-install. I was just asking how to un-install old xp from drive c. I'm not prepared to wipe everything to start allover.

Anyhow, here's what I did:
- reformatted c
- edited boot.ini file of the new xp installation, removing what's in red:

- did a prayer, then held my breath and rebooted...
it worked!

thanks so much for all your help.

 

Apology accepted. Glad you got it fixed. Have a nice day.

Johanna