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11/26/2006 11:37:23 PM · #1 |
Let's not get into a discussion on Windows Vs Mac please.
Currently using XP Home on a computer that has been used extensively, lots of programs added and many removed. It's getting where it locks up several times a day and is very slow at other times.
Anyone had any good luck on re-installing XP without doing a clean format re-install? I'm really hoping not to loose programs or files so I won't have to re-install everything. I think a re-install may help.
Any suggestions or techniques that may help? Thanks |
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11/26/2006 11:40:34 PM · #2 |
nope. clean sweep is the way to go to really get it clean.
drake |
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11/26/2006 11:41:10 PM · #3 |
| I've had no luck with a partial reinstall. In the long run you'll waste less time doing a total reformat and reinstalling everything and be much happier. |
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11/26/2006 11:45:06 PM · #4 |
I take it running defrag and cleaning up your registry hasn't helped? Also, when it locks up are you doing the same actions each time (i.e. trying to access a certain hardware or software program)?
Message edited by author 2006-11-26 23:46:22.
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11/26/2006 11:46:55 PM · #5 |
Yes, I agree, you're just wasting your time with a partial re-install.
It's not windows itself that causes the problems. It's the junk that gets piled up in it.
A partial re-install won't get rid of that junk.
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11/26/2006 11:47:05 PM · #6 |
| I have installed windows xp in two partion, one for adode photoshop and other for other programmes and net browsing.This set up is working really well for me |
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11/26/2006 11:57:21 PM · #7 |
| It happens at different times, so I'm sure it's just junked-up. Time to start backing things up ... ouch |
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11/27/2006 01:16:55 AM · #8 |
| I have tried to reinstall XP without a clean install, and I would agree that it just wastes time in the long run. What I have ended up doing is using Norton Ghost to back up a system as soon as I have installed all of the programs / files that I need so that if/when things crash, I can copy the Ghost image to a clean hard drive and save a lot of time in terms of reinstalling everything. |
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11/27/2006 01:37:24 AM · #9 |
Before wiping your disk and starting over, here are some things to consider and try:
1) Anti-virus: ensure that it is up-to-date and run a full, in-depth scan
2) Anti-spyware: ensure that it is up-to-date and run a full, in-depth scan. Here's a free one that is approved by Microsoft. ;-)
3) Try the defrag utility that is part of XP. It's Diskeeper technology, but not as thorough of the full-blown Diskeeper.
4) Run the full-blown Diskeeper on your drive
Message edited by author 2006-11-27 08:07:03.
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11/27/2006 02:23:48 AM · #10 |
Originally posted by PhantomEWO:
Let's not get into a discussion on Windows Vs Mac please.
Currently using XP Home on a computer that has been used extensively, lots of programs added and many removed. It's getting where it locks up several times a day and is very slow at other times.
Anyone had any good luck on re-installing XP without doing a clean format re-install? I'm really hoping not to loose programs or files so I won't have to re-install everything. I think a re-install may help.
Any suggestions or techniques that may help? Thanks |
One item that is often forgotten when XP starts locking up is the hardware. Take a look at your power supply. Power supplies are the most failure prone PC item. It could also be undersized. Look at your RAM timing in your BIOS. Open up the case and blow all the dust out as it can hinder cooling of your CPU. Get a better fan for your CPU. Swapping RAM in the slots sometimes helps. New RAM sometimes helps. A failing CD ROM drive can lock up XP as can a loose cable. I have been in a similar situation as you several times. I re-build computers and have been given several Dells from friends that were also tired of lock-ups. Every single Dell I was given was running a 250 Watt power supply with a P4 and a host of other hardware. 250 watts is inadequate. I replaced all the power supplies with 500 watt supplies. To date everything works fine. Anyway all that to say don't hack up your software or immediately try to re-install Windows without actually understanding what is root cause of the failure. |
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11/27/2006 07:58:12 AM · #11 |
Originally posted by PhantomEWO:
Let's not get into a discussion on Windows Vs Mac please.
Currently using XP Home on a computer that has been used extensively, lots of programs added and many removed. It's getting where it locks up several times a day and is very slow at other times.
Anyone had any good luck on re-installing XP without doing a clean format re-install? I'm really hoping not to loose programs or files so I won't have to re-install everything. I think a re-install may help.
Any suggestions or techniques that may help? Thanks |
I caught a BAD BAD virus a long time ago on a laptop my sister was given to use from her job. From that day forward, I make sure I have a CD for every program I install. If I downloaded the program from the net, I save the download in a file on my computer AND a backup on my external hard drive. You can also make a list of all your activation codes (if needed) using MS Office. Belarc Advisor should get you most of your codes, if you didn't already write them down.
Originally posted by lesgainous:
Before wiping your disk and starting over, here are some things to consider and try:
1) Anti-virus: ensure that it is up-to-date and run a full, indepth scan
2) Anti-spyware: ensure that it is up-to-date and run a full, in-depth scan. Here's a free one that is approved by Microsoft. ;-)
3) Try the defrag utility that is part of XP. It's Diskeeper technology, but not as thorough of the full-blown Diskeeper.
4) Run the full-blown Diskeeper on your drive |
You can also take a look at your Task Manager (ctrl/alt/del) and see if maybe there's a program eating up your RAM, thus locking up your computer. AIM and AOL.exe is known for doing that sometimes. I haven't installed those 2 on my new laptop.
Message edited by author 2006-11-27 08:01:29.
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