Guide -Backing up, Formatting, and installing Windows XP

Below is a short and sweet version for backing up, formatting, and then installing Windows XP.

1) Have a backup source DIFFERENT from your primary hard drive*(see note at bottom of guide). This means: a DVD burner, an external hard drive, a networked computer/server, a USB key, etc.)
2) Backup all essential documents/information (i.e. reports, pictures, music, etc.) to that backup source
3) Download all updated drivers for your computer components. This means: motherboard, graphics card, sound card, etc.
4) Make a list of all programs that you would need to reinstall once formatting/installing windows has been completed. PRINT THAT LIST!
5) Download and/or set aside all installers for the programs on your list (plus all relevant serial numbers/activation codes)
6) Download RyanVM's Windows XP Post-SP2 Update Pack , and integrate the file into your windows installer cd using the integrator program found on that same page. A nice tutorial on how to integrate the file is also on the page. This will integrate all Post-SP2 updates on your windows installer cd so that you won't have to spend time after reinstallation downloading updates from microsoft (note: your cd must already have sp-2 integrated ... if not, you can download sp2 from microsoft, and then integrate it yourself ... ask if that's the case)
7) Burn that new windows cd
8) Download and place in your backup drive Autopatcher. This program has all of the OTHER windows updates that you may need after reinstall. Very handy.
9) Double- and triple-check that you have backed up everything that you should, then CHECK AGAIN!

10) Calm-down because the above steps are the hardest parts

11) Put in new windows cd and then disconnect all network cables/wireless cards
12) Restart
13) Boot from cd
14) Follow prompts - delete old partition. Make new partition using quick ntfs option. Let windows cd load files and it will restart your computer
15) Fill in information microsoft asks for

IF YOU NEED A GUIDE ON STEPS 11-15, PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK!

16) On first boot up after reinstall, reinstall all antivirus, firewall, and antispyware applications. Be sure to restart when needed.
17) Install Autopatcher and install any updates missing from windows cd
18) Reconnect all network cables and reinstall internet service ... immediately update antivirus definitions
19) Activate windows over the internet using on-screen prompts
20) Reinstall all programs from list (hopefully in some sort of order), restarting when necessary.
21) Reload all information/documents from your backup drive onto your main computer drive, and then ...

YOU'RE DONE!!!

Much of the information I've provided above should be evident to most anyone who has SOME computer knowledge. Some are just tips I've found useful when formatting and reinstalling XP myself. If you have any questions, please ask.

Have fun!

*While I do not recommend doing so, it is possible to complete the above guide using just your original hard drive. You can "partition" (split into parts) your hard drive so that it is recognized by Windows as different hard drives. An advantage to having multiple partitions would be that you can have separate partitions for documents, programs, Windows itself, etc. CAUTION: If you are going to try this method, you should definitely BACKUP EVERYTHING before you try to partition.

There are numerous programs that you can use to partition your hard drive ... I typically suggest a commercial program like Partition Magic for this type of situation. Other solutions that I recommend are GParted or many Linux live cds (which are all free), but the most important item I can relay is to

BACKUP EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU TRY PARTITIONING!!!

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