Cleaning up

[bjm027]

I had a friend of mine move away and left me his computer. It currently has XP pro on it. Every time I try to open anything that uses Windows Explorer I get the Microsoft error that it is having problem opening Windows explorer and will have to close. And it gives me the options of sending a report or debugging the problem or restarting the computer which I have done numerous times.

What I have tried to do is reinstall XP pro to correct the problem...This still didn’t correct it.

I was going to try to format drive C because there is nothing currently on the computer that I would require to use. I am fine with starting all over. I am worried about drivers that I might need. All I have though is a cd-rom and a floppy disk drive. I was going to make a start-up disk but can’t open the control panel or anything to get to the option. Will this cause problems when reinstalling the drivers???

Suggestions....?

Thanks in advance

 

[wolluf]

You don't need a 'start-up' disk to install XP normally, as the XP install CD is bootable (just make sure bios settings have CD-ROM as first boot device). If your machine won't boot from CD, you can download app to create the 6-disk floppy set to start XP set up from here

http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm.

As for drivers - XP will probably have most if not all - but you can visit the manufacturer's website for each piece of hardware, and download latest drivers.

http://www.aida32.hu/aida-download.php

might be useful here (if you can run it). You can always do this after install.

When you run install, would recommend you use the tools to remove existing partition and then create a new one to install into (to clear drive of old installation).

 

[bjm027]

Great. I will try this when I get home later on today. Ill let you know how it turned out.

One question though. How do I check to see if CD-ROM is the first boot device?

Thanks for the help

 

[bullhlms]

You can find and change the boot order in the BIOS settings. On some machines the option to boot from CD requires you to strike a key during a short period while booting, so be alert.

 

[linney]

These might help you too.

HOW TO: Partition and Format a Hard Disk in Windows XP (Q313348)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q313/3/48.asp

Read the paragraph,
"How to Partition and Format Your Hard Disk by Using Windows XP Setup."

http://www.windowsreinstall.com/indexwinxp.htm

 

[bjm027]

Hey everyone thanks for all the replies...

I havnt yet had the chance to try anything yet but when i do ill keep you posted.

thanks