Acronis re-install

[doug]

Haven't got a problem yet but I'm thinking about doing a re-install of my WinXP system. Although the HDD is only just over 58% utilised it seems to be slowing down. I do have Acronis Ver. 9. and doing a re-install from that will only give me back what I had at the last back-up (2 hours ago). Is there anyway of doing a selective re-install where I can format the HDD, install WinXP then selectively install the applications that I need so I can leave out the rubbish I no longer use? Tried looking at the website but can only find links to updates. Some guidance would be welcome.

[Alan2273]

Doug, i posted a similar question some time ago and the answer i got was you cannot select certain parts of the backup, it is all or nothing.

This was about 18 months ago, so things might have changed since then.

[doug]

I obviously didn't search this forum properly then 'caused I missed your post.

[AlanHo]

Doug

I tried to do a part restore once upon a time and found that with some fiddling you can do a selective restore of data files - but not programmes. I found it easier to restore the lot then charge around uninstalling and deleting things.

I 'spose pops might know more though - best wait for him to pop up here.

[doug]

I 'spose pops might know more though - best wait for him to pop up here.

That's a good one!

[trackrat]

Or you could try posting your question here.

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/forumdisplay.php?f=64

[-pops-]

In fact I don't know.

What I would do is restore the complete backup and then selectively delete the whatevers as you want - as Alan suggests. There is no danger of losing things if it doesn't work as you will still have the complete backup you restored from.

Concerning disks, I always work in the principle that the "C" drive shouldn't be more than half full. This is to allow Windows to have plenty of room for all of its processing and things. Auxiliary drives that don't have the O/S on them can be filled to a much higher level.

What I would do, after suitable pruning of things you know you don't want is to backup and then install a larger drive in place of the current and install the backup on to that. You can always use the old drive as an auxiliary then.

[doug]

More or less what I was thinking. At present I have a 40 GB C drive just for the OS and applications. A 320 GB partitioned as 250 for Data and 100 GB for downloads. I also have an external 80 GB for backups. Thinking of getting a bigger external HDD for the backups and then using the 80 for the OS. Funny you should say that you think >50% utilisation is about the max because thats what I've just passed.

[-pops-]

I've seen it often, doug, especially with smaller "C" drives, as yours is. There is a noticeable slowing down of anything that involves the direct use of that drive when you get much over 50%. You may find if you put a larger drive in that you may not need to do much pruning - although it always helps to clear out any obvious rubbish.