How to fully delete parallel install of XP

[WadeW]

I had to do a parallel install of XP on the same partition to analyze a possible network problem. After I was done I deleted the Windows1 folder (where I installed the second install of XP) then edited the boot.ini file. Everything seems fine except for logging in. The boot up sequence is normal, but after I log in it takes 15 seconds or longer to get to the desktop. This never happen before I did they parallel install. Is there anything I can check or should I just reformat and load XP again?

Thanks,

Wade

 

[Comtech]

Open Explorer, browse to c:\Documents and Settings. Remove any old/unused users.
Check to see what's loading on startup. It could be that you have more stuff running, or a driver that's not loading properly, a service that's not starting right, OR it could simply be the DHCP server trying to assign an IP to the machine. Cheers,
Jim

http://members.cnx.net/reboot/

 

[skiflyer]

I had the same problem after dual booting my system with a Linux install.

I think it's something about NTFS reading the drive after the MBR has changed... I'm grasping at straws and never did resolve the problem personally... but that's because I kept linux.

If you find a solution I'd be curious to know.

-Rob

 

[WadeW]

Jim,

Under Documents and Settings I see 8 folders.

1. Administrator
2. Alan (My account)
3. All Users
4. Default User
5. LocalService
6. LocalService.NT AUTHORITY
7. NetworkService
8. NetworkService.NT AUTHORITY

I know I have to keep 1-3. What are the rest used for and can I delete them?

Thanks,

Wade

 

[Comtech]

Nope. Keep them all. They're needed for one thing or another, although the NT AUTHORITY stuff is in question, but it depends on your setup. Are you on a LAN? Is it set up with an NT SERVER machine (could be Win2k server, or XP server (Pro))?
If it's a standalone machine, you can remove those two accounts, and also check the services that are starting up, and probably cut them down a bit.
Check out

http://www.blackviper.com

for services, and what you need, and what you can disable.
I was thinking you may have leftover accounts from the previous install.
See if you have duplicate folders, possibly "Docume~1" and "Progra~1", among others.
Once you've got everything as clean as possible, use a few utilities on it.
I use EasyCleaner from Toniarts.
Spybot S&D
Adaware 6
The built in Disk Cleanup.
Then I would run a repair install over it.
Cheers,
Jim

http://members.cnx.net/reboot/

 

[WadeW]

I have a small home network with one XP Pro machine, and two ME machines connected through a Linksys 4-port router. I will check out some of your suggestions. Thanks for the help.

Wade