Reinstall Windows Without Deleting All My Stuff?

Holly3278 · 03-Feb-2007, 03:38 PM #1

Hi everyone. I am encountering a few errors with my PC that seem to be unsolvable. Nobody here has been able to help me with them so I have decided that I want to reinstall Windows. However, I am wondering if there is a way to do this without deleting all my programs? In other words, can I do it without formatting my PC?

Also, I am considering just formatting my PC and reinstalling everything. However, is there a way that I can backup my Windows Updates so I don't have to redownload all of them? Also, what about my Norton Internet Security updates? Can I back those up so I don't have to redownload them?

Old Rich · 03-Feb-2007, 03:40 PM #2

A repair install will not take out applications or data . . however it is a good idea to back up any data you cherish

This is a good guide to performing a repair install

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

Holly3278 · 03-Feb-2007, 03:53 PM #3

If I do a repair install, will I have to redownload all the Windows Updates?

Old Rich · 03-Feb-2007, 03:56 PM #4

Yes you will

**valis** · 03-Feb-2007, 03:57 PM #5

and all the drivers, too. I would recommend that you d/l the nic driver for your machine now, while you have internet connection, then you can go d/l the other drivers once you reinstall windows.

Holly3278 · 03-Feb-2007, 04:02 PM #6

Okay thanks. Can you tell me how to boot my install CD? I forgot. I have a repair CD that came with the computer but I can't remember how to get it to boot before startup.

Bob Cerelli · 03-Feb-2007, 04:04 PM #7

Is this a full XP CD or a Restore CD.

The reason is an XP CD will let you do a repair install.

A restore CD generally puts the computer back the way it came from the factory. In that case everything would be removed from your computer that has been added since then.

Holly3278 · 03-Feb-2007, 04:06 PM #8

I believe it is a Restore CD but I have installed Windows XP fresh from a full format with it before.

Bob Cerelli · 03-Feb-2007, 04:09 PM #9

Yes but this time it sounds like you don't want to format the drive and keep at least what data you have on there.

Holly3278 · 03-Feb-2007, 04:13 PM **#10**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Cerelli

Yes but this time it sounds like you don't want to format the drive and keep at least what data you have on there.

That is correct.

Hey if any of you care, could you help me out in my other thread about the blue screen of death I'm getting. I am going to attempt to tackle that problem one more time before I reinstall Windows.

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