How do I re-install Microsoft Windows?

Question

I have never reinstalled an operating system before, but due to some significant errors when I try to load Media Center, I think I might have to do a complete reinstall.



How do I do this? (where do i start?)
Will I lose all my files? (documents, rec TV, etc)
Will I lose my software licenses (since they will have to be reinstalled as well?)


Anything else I should be aware of before completing this task?

Answer 1

In windowsXP and VISTA, if you put the CD to the drive and try to install them, you may have a warning that: "the OS you try to install is older than the OS you already have and installation can't continue"



That happens if you have a WindowsXP or VISTA CD and try to re-install over windowsXP SP2 or VISTA SP1.



If this is the case then you have to format the partition where windows are installed, and if you do that:



A) All windows update will be lost, so you have to unstall them again as well.



B) Most of your software you have installed ,will need to re-install again, so in that case you will need any lisnce and any key you may have.



C)You will need all the drivers for the hardware you have on your computer(motherboard, graphic card, audio card, printer etc.)



D)Before you proceed save "mydocuments" folder, "my favorites" folder and your address book and INBOX from your e-mail. (copy them to a CD)



"Myfavorites" folder located on C:\WINDOWS, or you can open browser, click on favorites on the menu, then click export favorites.



"Mydocuments" folder located on C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\USER\MYDOCUMENTS

where user is the name you have whlie log-in



Also you can save "mydocuments" folder located on C:\Documents and settings\allusers\



To save address book and indox, if you use outlook express or mail client for VISTA just open it and from file menu choose export address book and messages and save them to a location.



So if you want to do a format, you must have in hand,



Windows CD first and then CD and lisences\keys for all software you have installed, plus CD for all the drivers you may need.



Have a nice Day

Answer 2

Run the OS disk, as already suggested. It should just over write the files that exist now, and correct any errors. You probably should make your concerns known to the company that media center came from. Tell them what you encountered, and ask for a solution to the problem.

If your problem is great enough, then you would need to reformat the hard drive, and start all over. I would go to the BIOS and make the CD drive the boot drive. This makes it possible to use the OS disk to start the machine, and reload the OS system and all of it's files. DO NOT do this quite yet, try the over write first. If that doesn't fix the machine, then you'll have to do it the hard way. It is best to learn how since you'll know what went in, and how it is configured, with no surprises, after all is done. Licenses come with the software, already embedded in the software. Those licenses load when the program does. If you need any more help, email one of us, and I'm confident that you'll get the help that you need.

Answer 3

Easiest Way to do this:



Purchase or borrow an external harddrive with an appropriate amount of space.

Right down all the programs you need or want to keep then make sure you have either disc or install files.

Then Transfer all your files, make sure you do a long search, you dont want to lose things.

After you are sure, insert the CD and then proceed to the install.

Its pretty simple after that, fill in the options and required information.

Once you have installed windows, install any Motherboard software you may have and update that first.

Then fist before anything, update windows.

After that install a Security program.

Proceed to get the drivers you need from the company website, plug in the external HArdrive, unload everything, install the old programs from the discs or installation files on the EX HDD.

Run a Defrag, and thats it



Might need to tweak some setting to get it back to normal, this job may take some time, give yourself a whole night or morning and its a good idea to print of help guides or use another pc for any questions, not much can go wrong.

Answer 4

*Keep these things close at hand:

Setup Disc

Driver Disc/s

Backup Media



*Before following the instructions below, read it CAREFULLY so you can decide which remedy you'll need:



Yes, you'd lose your files if you reformat the hard drive, but reinstalling Windows won't. Although reinstalling won't be much any help when it comes to program problems(like yours) and virus attack since it'll retain them. Make sure your file backup is VIRUS FREE, since you don't want to carry them around in your newly formatted windows. But Before reformatting and RE INSTALLING Windows, try System Restore first, base on what you showed me here, I think your having problems on one software....press start>all programs>accessories>system tools>system restore. Choose the timeline BEFORE you installed Media Center. System Restore will revert your system to a preferred stable system, your files created or modified AFTER the preffered time will be RELOCATED, not deleted. If you don't see a timeline, you haven't created a system restore point, this time you have to reformat your PC. You'd need a copy of the Windows, backup your files, insert the Windows CD in the CD/DVD/etc. drive you have and the Windows Setup will appear, just follow throught it, it's easier than most people think. Yes, you'd lose the license UNLESS you reinstall using the same Windows Disc your computer was installed with. If you don't have a Windows Disc, buy one from Computer Shops. The instructions above are for REINSTALLING Windows only, if you want a better, cleaner, stable system Reformat your system:



1.leave the windows disc the the cd drive.

2.Reboot your computer and prolong F12 or F2 or DEL depending on your motherboard to go to the system BIOS.

3. Find your way through the menu until you come upon the BOOT SEQUENCE or BOOT DEVICE.

3. Select the CD Drive (where the Windows Disc is) as the first boot device to be read OR DISABLE the HARD DRIVE. (Don't worry, enable it back later...)

4.Save changes and exit.

5. The PC will read the Windows disc, it'll load up some files and then manage your way through the setup, just click and press, agreeing to the statements and all that. make sure that you select something like "install fresh copy of windows" when prompted to and NOT "reinstall windows" since "reinstalling" will just change Windows files, but keep the corrupted setup files of viruses and Media Center, it's best since it'll make the drive FRESH and CLEAN. Then select the install directory, usually C:.

6. It'll format the drive then it'll restart. Hold the DEL, F2, or F12 key again to go to the BIOS and manage your way until you go back to the BOOT SEQUENCE or BOOT DEVICE, ENABLE back the Hard Drive or put it as the first boot device, depending on you motherboard, it'll just do the same thing: read the hard drive first.



7. The Windows setup will continue installing, key-in the CD-KEY when prompted, you'll be asked to key in the timezone, time, date, check for your internet connection and install some hardware. Register to microsoft after if you want to. Unless your Windows copy is pirated, DON'T!



8. Install the common softwares, like Office, Printers, Burning Software, Hardware Drivers (Video Card, Sound Card, usually the PC/Hardware came with these driver discs) just the EVERYDAY NEED software, no games and other accessories...you don't want to risk installing a FAULTY program after all those reformatting now do you?



9. Create a restore point, so you'll have less chances of formatting again! It's much easier and much much better! click start>all programs>accessories>system tools>system restore>create restore point.



10. THIS IS WHEN YOU PUT YOUR FILE BACKUPS BACK TO THE PC AND INSTALL ALL THOSE GAMES AND ACCESSORIES/SOFTWARE. Enjoy your system!

Answer 5

1. Turn off your computer

2. Turn on your computer, and insert the Windows XP disk

3. A screen will pop up and tell you to press any key to boot from CD, so press any key you like.

4. Once everything has loaded there will be a few options on the screen. The one you want says To set up Windows XP, press enter. So press enter.

5. Follow the rest of the on screen instructions to finish formatting.

6. Alternatively, if you just want to format a secondary hard drive you can go to My Computer, right click on the drive and press format and follow the instructions accordingly.



* The best format option to choose is the Full format. The quick format isn't usually a good choice unless you know what you are doing.





* Doing this will delete EVERYTHING on the C drive and it is pretty much gone.

Answer 6

put the OS disc back in