[jackstoner]

I use windows vista 32 bit

Everything has worked perfect until recently where i was having very long start-ups / shutdowns. As well as programs taking much more time to do anything than before.

I want to reformat and re-install vista but not loose all my personal things ( music, pics, ect )

Ive made a backup ( which needed 10 cd's! lol ) but ive always heard of making partitions.

So ive created a partition and my question is, can i move all my personal stuff onto that partition and just reinstall vista on the original one?

[skinnywhiteboy]

Yes you can. You may also want to consider buying an external HD for future backups though.

[jackstoner]

Thank you =)

And just waiting on my next paycheck for an external HD.

Whats a good size ?

[DaveA]

As large as you bankbook will allow. WE have been getting some 250 GIG boxes for $120 US.

[jackstoner]

Thanks DaveA.

Now ive put all my files and programs on my new partition.

Now pop in the Vista install cd and just install over on the old partition?

[crjdriver]

No. Delete the partition in which you want to install and then have vista setup create/format. Note do not delete the partition you made with your data; delete the partition with vista currently installed.

[jackstoner]

Originally Posted by crjdriver

No. Delete the partition in which you want to install and then have vista setup create/format. Note do not delete the partition you made with your data; delete the partition with vista currently installed.

the one i want to install is the original partition. It wont let me delete/format it though

wouldnt doing it like this format the partition before installing windows again?

http://www.petri.co.il/install_windows_vista.htm

[crjdriver]

Are you booting from the vista dvd or are you attempting to run the dvd from within windows?

Note you must boot the system from the vista dvd in order to delete a system partition.

[jackstoner]

Originally Posted by crjdriver

Are you booting from the vista dvd or are you attempting to run the dvd from within windows?

Note you must boot the system from the vista dvd in order to delete a system partition.

I have the vista dvd.

I was going to put it in and restart and then go from there.

[crjdriver]

That will work however you must have the boot order in the bios set to CD/DVD as the first boot device. Check your bios settings to make sure.

[jackstoner]

At startup im suppose to hit either F1 or F2 right?

[crjdriver]

Originally Posted by jackstoner

At startup im suppose to hit either F1 or F2 right?

Hit whatever key or key combo is used to access the bios. It should tell you in your manual AND usually on the post screen as well; ie to enter setup press F1.

[jackstoner]

Everything went smooth during installation.

But after installing all the updates and such for windows i now have an internet issue.

It wont connect and its not the my ISP, modem, or wireless router because Im online now just with a different computer.

Ive tried resetting the modem/router multiple times.
The vista diagnostics tool has been unsuccessful.
I cant restore to an earlier date because it was just installed today

PS

Should i make a new thread or just rename the title of this one?

[crjdriver]

I would start a new thread since your original problem is now solved.

Did the system ever connect ie before you did the updates?

Do you have any yellow marks in device mgr?

[jackstoner]

It connected before the updates

No yellow "!" in device manager.

The internet on this pc has been very finicky. Right now its working but im scared to turn it off because i have no idea if it will work when i turn it back on.