A clean install of the OS is often the only way to get your system back on the right track or started on the right foot. The following is a simple guide on how to save your important stuff, get the job done right and make the transition as painless as possible.
A clean install of the Operating System is indicated when:
A New Motherboard is Installed
Upgrading Operating Systems (Avoids a lot of headaches later)
Irreparable Registry or System file corruptions exist in the existing Windows installation
HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) installed incorrectly (Win2000 & XP only)
Back-up Your Data
Before doing a clean install of Windows you will need to back-up your data files.
Backup your Email and Outlook Express Accounts
Outlook Express Data How To
Save your Documents
Create a new folder on the removable media of your choice i.e. Backup Documents
Left Click My Documents
Click Edit
Click Select All
Click Copy
Paste to the new backup folder that you created
Save your Internet Favorites
Open My Computer
Win 9x - Click on Windows folder of the bootable hard drive
Win XP & 2K - Click on My Documents
Right Click and Copy the Favorites Folder
Paste to the new backup folder that you created
Disconnect ALL peripheral devices except keyboard and mouse
Note: Don't forget to save information, pictures, scanned documents or other files like patches and updates that are stored in other locations.
Wipe the Hard Drive
Identify your hard drive make and model
Download the Wipe or Zero Utility from the Hard Drive Manufacturers Web Site. Wiping or Zeroing the drive will return it to factory fresh condition.
IBM
Western Digital
Seagate
Maxtor
Quantum
Fujitsu
When complete you will need to partition and format the hard drive. If you are going to use a single partition Windows will format and partition the hard drive during the OS installation process.
Multiple partitions can be made by using the manufacturers hard disk utilities or DOS.
Updating the BIOS
Updating the BIOS to the latest version is always a good idea when you are having system problems.
BIOS Agent - Free Software Reports Your BIOS Configuration from Windows
Go to your manufacturers web site. Some of the majors are listed below:
Abit
AOpen
Asus
BioStar USA
BTC (Behavior Tech)
ChainTech
Diamond
DFI
Epox
FIC
Gigabyte
Intel Corporation
JetWay
Lucky Star
MicroStar
PC Chips
Shuttle
Soyo
Tyan
Additional Motherboard Links
Download and install the latest officially released version of the BIOS that was specifically written for your motherboard. Follow the manufacturers installation instructions carefully.
Further BIOS assistance can be found here:
Wim's BIOS Page
BadFlash
BIOS Agent - Free Software Reports Your BIOS Details and Configuration
CTBIOS - Small DOS program that identifies the BIOS and motherboard - Program is in German but, you'll get the idea.
Make a BOOT Disk with CDROM Support
Download the boot disk image and click on the program file to extract to a floppy
Download Floppy Image
Removing ACPI
Reinstall Windows by starting the system using the boot floppy with CDROM support.
From the A:\ prompt start Windows from the CDROM
D:\setup /p i (When D:\ is the drive letter of the CDROM)
If your hard drive is running from a High Point, Promise or ATA 66 or 100 controller, the drive will not be recognized at bootup and you will need to come back a letter.
Drivers
Windows Me is the last version of the Win98 Operating System. Many Win98SE peripheral drivers will work on systems running the Me operating system, some will not. If you are experiencing problems with a USB device that requires non-native drivers, check with the manufacturer for a WinMe version of the software and drivers
Follow the Help directions for your Operating System and make a boot disk. Just in case you need it.
Reinstalling the Operating System
In the BIOS set the Drive Boot order to CD Only
Shut down and reboot
Follow the on screen prompts to install Windows
Installing Windows With ACPI Disabled
(Helps to resolve some USB problems)
Win 9X and ME
Boot Using the Boot Up Floppy
From the Command Prompt Type (Drive Letter):/Setup /p i
Win XP and 2K
Boot from the CD
When Windows begins to Detect the Hardware Press the F5 Key and choose the Standard PC HAL
When the installation is complete and before Windows starts for the first time, reset the Boot Devices in the BIOS so that Windows can boot from the hard drive.
Clean Install Using a Windows Update Version
Install as if Full Version
When Windows Install Wizard asks for verification of a previous version, place the previous version CD in the CDROM and follow the on screen prompts*
A clean install of the Operating System is indicated when:
A New Motherboard is Installed
Upgrading Operating Systems (Avoids a lot of headaches later)
Irreparable Registry or System file corruptions exist in the existing Windows installation
HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) installed incorrectly (Win2000 & XP only)
Back-up Your Data
Before doing a clean install of Windows you will need to back-up your data files.
Backup your Email and Outlook Express Accounts
Outlook Express Data How To
Save your Documents
Create a new folder on the removable media of your choice i.e. Backup Documents
Left Click My Documents
Click Edit
Click Select All
Click Copy
Paste to the new backup folder that you created
Save your Internet Favorites
Open My Computer
Win 9x - Click on Windows folder of the bootable hard drive
Win XP & 2K - Click on My Documents
Right Click and Copy the Favorites Folder
Paste to the new backup folder that you created
Disconnect ALL peripheral devices except keyboard and mouse
Note: Don't forget to save information, pictures, scanned documents or other files like patches and updates that are stored in other locations.
Wipe the Hard Drive
Identify your hard drive make and model
Download the Wipe or Zero Utility from the Hard Drive Manufacturers Web Site. Wiping or Zeroing the drive will return it to factory fresh condition.
IBM
Western Digital
Seagate
Maxtor
Quantum
Fujitsu
When complete you will need to partition and format the hard drive. If you are going to use a single partition Windows will format and partition the hard drive during the OS installation process.
Multiple partitions can be made by using the manufacturers hard disk utilities or DOS.
Updating the BIOS
Updating the BIOS to the latest version is always a good idea when you are having system problems.
BIOS Agent - Free Software Reports Your BIOS Configuration from Windows
Go to your manufacturers web site. Some of the majors are listed below:
Abit
AOpen
Asus
BioStar USA
BTC (Behavior Tech)
ChainTech
Diamond
DFI
Epox
FIC
Gigabyte
Intel Corporation
JetWay
Lucky Star
MicroStar
PC Chips
Shuttle
Soyo
Tyan
Additional Motherboard Links
Download and install the latest officially released version of the BIOS that was specifically written for your motherboard. Follow the manufacturers installation instructions carefully.
Further BIOS assistance can be found here:
Wim's BIOS Page
BadFlash
BIOS Agent - Free Software Reports Your BIOS Details and Configuration
CTBIOS - Small DOS program that identifies the BIOS and motherboard - Program is in German but, you'll get the idea.
Make a BOOT Disk with CDROM Support
Download the boot disk image and click on the program file to extract to a floppy
Download Floppy Image
Removing ACPI
Reinstall Windows by starting the system using the boot floppy with CDROM support.
From the A:\ prompt start Windows from the CDROM
D:\setup /p i (When D:\ is the drive letter of the CDROM)
If your hard drive is running from a High Point, Promise or ATA 66 or 100 controller, the drive will not be recognized at bootup and you will need to come back a letter.
Drivers
Windows Me is the last version of the Win98 Operating System. Many Win98SE peripheral drivers will work on systems running the Me operating system, some will not. If you are experiencing problems with a USB device that requires non-native drivers, check with the manufacturer for a WinMe version of the software and drivers
Follow the Help directions for your Operating System and make a boot disk. Just in case you need it.
Reinstalling the Operating System
In the BIOS set the Drive Boot order to CD Only
Shut down and reboot
Follow the on screen prompts to install Windows
Installing Windows With ACPI Disabled
(Helps to resolve some USB problems)
Win 9X and ME
Boot Using the Boot Up Floppy
From the Command Prompt Type (Drive Letter):/Setup /p i
Win XP and 2K
Boot from the CD
When Windows begins to Detect the Hardware Press the F5 Key and choose the Standard PC HAL
When the installation is complete and before Windows starts for the first time, reset the Boot Devices in the BIOS so that Windows can boot from the hard drive.
Clean Install Using a Windows Update Version
Install as if Full Version
When Windows Install Wizard asks for verification of a previous version, place the previous version CD in the CDROM and follow the on screen prompts*
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