I managed to install XP on 2 partitions - how do I remove one install?

[Jazzy P]

Hiya peeps,

I just did a win xp install to try and combat some spyware issues I was having. I didnt format the partition (I have 2 btw) as there are a couple of old apps that I still use that I dont have the installer cd's for anymore.

So I was thinking that a re-install would just install the windows files on the c drive and that would be that.

BUT, somehow in my nobishness I managed to do the re-install onto my d drive which is soley for data and not system or apps.

Basically I have 2 questions for you..

1) How can I delete the OS that is now on my d drive without losing any of my data that is stored on it?

and..

2) Once I manage to do a successfull re-install on my c drive (sys & app drive) will the rest of my c drive still be intact?

Any thought would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

[Blind Masseur]

1) I personally can't think of any way other than loading up the winXP installed on C and manualy deleting the windows stuff on D (program files, WINDOWS, Documents & Settings). You may need to do this in safe mode.

2) If you just reinstall it, then you will only lose what was in the WINDOWS folder and what was in Documents & Settings (this includes your desktop).

3) Without reformatting your C drive though, you don't have a very good chance of getting rid of all of the spyware.

4) If you have the cd-key or serial or registration information or whatever for your old programs than you can either download the programs from the manufacturer's website and active your product, or torrent a backup cd of your programs and then register them with your key. That's what torrents are for afterall.

-Steve

[Jazzy P]

Cheers Steve,

I pretty much thought that would be the case with the OS deletion, just wanted to check before I went ahead with it.

As for the old software issue, well, I probably do have everything I need to start again (somewhere), but I'm just scared! Had this setup for a few years now and until recently it had been running a dream. I'll try a windows install (on the right partition this time!) and see if that clears up my spareware issues, if not, its format time! yeah :]

Just out of interest, any ideas why it ended up on the d drive in the first place? what should I be looking out for on the install screen to avoid the same mistake? Or is just a case of keeping my freaking eyes open! hahaha

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

If you just install Windows over the existing installation, I don't think you will get rid of your malware infections. Better get rid of these first. There are a number of good, free anti-malware scanners out there that will detect and remove almost anything.

Try

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

to start with...

[Blind Masseur]

I recommend against anti-virus/malware/etc programs because they tend to be useless against the real big stuff. If you want to try and remove your spyware/malware beforehand then my personal recommendation is to use Security Task Manager, just download the trial version and it will tell you which programs that are currently running (as viruses run when they cause problems to your system) that are causing the greatest ammount of problems (in most cases resource consumption). You can ignore what it says about Adobe, adobe is a pain but it's not dangerous.

Also, installing XP over your original might fix some issues simply because a lot of that s*** plants itself in the system32 folder which will be completely formatted when you reinstall XP.

As for things that you should watch over during the install, just make sure when it asks you which partition you want to install windows on that the C drive is highlighted.

I also thought of another way that you could get rid of windows on your D drive without losing data, although I'm not sure if it's any more convenient. You could transfer all of your data over to your C drive, delete the D parition when reinstalling XP and then repartition the D drive. Again, I'm not sure that that is any more convenient (however it would get rid of any registry info on the D drive that would normall be left behind by a manual delete of the OS, unless you make a point of removing it).

Lastly, what I find works best for a clean and breezy format is to go through all of your programs (e.g., in the add/remove programs manager) and make sure you have all of the installs for those programs handy. And don't forget to backup your pictures and documents and such. I would personally recommend for reformat just because it is very good for your hard drive. I make sure I do one at least twice a year (just did one 2 weeks ago actually).

[Jazzy P]

Nice one Blind...

I'm pretty much with you on this one. I use various spy/adware detection and removal programs but they're only a temporary fix, they soon come back, besides, my drive could do with a good scrub anyway. I've had this drive on the go for nearly 2 years without a reformat, whereas my Macs I do at least twice a year. Ironically, they probably dont need it as much as my pc does, but its so easy to back Macs up cos you can just drag and drop your apps back into place without needing to reinsall all the time (in most cases anyway). So because I wasnt sure if I still had my all of my install disks for my windows software I've been reluctant to reformat the drive, but this little hiccup has spurred me on now.

Anyways, nuff ramblin' from me, I got a computer to fix!

Cheers for all your thoughts and advice people, I appreciate it.