Nothing beats a reformat.
Doing all that shit you said you would do, would be more time consuming, and less rewarding than a reformat.
Reinstalling Windows XP is easy.
TAKEN FROM http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html and EDITED TO SUIT YOU NEEDS!First you will need to ensure you have an XP boot disk
Next go into your BIOS and set the boot order so that CD is before Hard Drive.
Put the CD into a drive.
Save changes and exit the BIOS.
When a message comes up saying "Press any key to boot from disk"- press a key.
Setup will start copying files
Next you will get the option to repair or enter setup, choose to enter setup. Press ENTER.
Press F8 if you agree to the license.
Setup will scan for previous Windows installations
Choose to delete the partition by pressing "D". You will then be prompted to create a new partition in the empty space. This will remove all data from the deleted space.
Choose the NTFS file system from this screen.
If you have more that one partition or hard drive on your system, make sure you are formatting the correct partition/drive.
Press Enter to continue.
Setup will show a progress box and reboot when copying files is complete.
When you see the "Press any Key to Reboot" do not Press any Key. If CD boots anyway, remove CD and reboot.
From this point, you will follow the on screen prompts.
If you live outside the US, you will probably need to modify the default settings.
Personalize your XP Enter your Name and Organization.
Enter the Product Key. The Key is located on the back of the CD folder in the Retail versions, and on a holographic label with the OEM versions purchased with a piece of hardware. Write this key down and secure it in a safe place in case the original is misplaced or destroyed through natural causes.
Choose a name for the computer, this should be a unique name for the computer, especially if it is to be connected to a network. In Pro, you are given the option of creating a password or leaving it blank.
Set your Time Zone and Time and Date.
Setup will scan for network.
If detected you will have the choice to choose a typical configuration or custom. Choose typical if you are unsure.
For home you will choose your workgroup, if a network is already established and you intend to connect to it, use the existing workgroup name, otherwise, I suggest using the default.
For Pro, the same goes for Pro as suggested for Home, but you will have the choice to join a Domain, if you do not have a Domain or do not know leave blank.
Setup will continue and reboot when completed ignore the "Press Any Key".
The XP loading window will now display after reboot.
You will see a change display settings, say yes, and accept the setting if you can see the screen after accepting.
You will see a welcome screen, press next and unfortunately you have to wait for the dialog to finish.
Set up your internet or network connection.
This is the Activate, Register screen. You must activate within 30 days of installing XP, but you do not ever have to register, Registration is completely optional and if you do not register, no personal information will be transmitted during activation. If you register, then activation will transmit that information along with the activation. The first Activation is usually done over the internet if the computer is connected to the internet, otherwise, it can be accomplished by copying the alphanumeric string from the activation screen and make a phone call to the phone number [Usually Toll Free] supplied on screen. The activation center will then give you a slightly longer number to input into for activation. I suggest you do not activate immediately in case you need to make hard ware changes, or install to a different system within the thirty days, and you will be reminded on boot up until you do.
Setup users screen. Set at least one user for yourself or the person that will be using the computer.
All Done
It really, isnt as hard as it looks. You CANNOT go wrong
Last edited by Titch2349 (2007-07-02 14:53:06)