So I'm going to reformat
I'm taking the plunge. Anyone have any sound tips? What are the crucial downloads besides the obvious? It seems as though I never had any trouble until I downloaded Microsoft SP2. Would I be ok with downloading SP2 first or should I just let automatic update run? Should I partition? If so, what tools should I use? Experienced users please help!
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The biggest tip I can ever give to anyone, READ THE DIRECTIONS!
It may seem basic but the reformat process is extremely easy if you just follow the onscreen instructions. I make my drives NTFS btw, and it's a good idea to do so also. I would very much suggest partitioning your Hard Drives. I usually do a basic 3 partition setup. Partition one is usually 5000MBs, this partition holds Windows and if you place it first on the list will be marked as C:\ by default. My next partition is usually 20% of the current HD size, this is used for music/videos/pictures, basically anything that didn't install anything or setup any .dll files. The last partition is the remaining space, I use this for everything that isn't Windows or a multimedia file.
I would suggest placing updated versions of all your drivers on a CD so you don't have to worry about updating your drivers again. Write down all currently installed programs you will need to redownload or install so you don't forget later on.
Good luck on your install, and let us know how it went when you finally take the plunge.
Read what directions? The Windows prompts that seem like they are written for other programmers? I'm a layman you know. Another user from the spyware/virus forum sent me a link and I read through it, but it seems to be the instructions for Win 98/2000 while I'm on XP. I've printed out some other instructions on how to reformat, but they don't seem very thorough, and if I'm going to do it, I want to do it right the first time.
Also, my machine is mostly dedicated to audio editing and production so a larger portion of my HD would be dedicated for that. Thanks for the tips.
Snoball...that's funny! I'm reading Animal Farm right now!
Windows XP Installation and Upgrade Overview
Beginners Guides: Installing Windows XP
Before you start, collect all the data needed, such as the XP Windows installation key,
and information from your ISP how to configure and setup the internet connection.
Plus all the system drivers.
Make sure you have saved all your data, mails and bokmarks.
Loosing the bookmarks is like being new borned.
You don't miss the horse until the stable is empty. (old farm joke)
Disconnect the PC from the internet (remove the ethernet cable from the computer), and connect it first after the firewall and antivirus are installed.
I'm sure it's in the guide lines somewhere, but just in case ....
Good luck, and get back to us as soon as the computer is up and running.
I have a Compaq/HP refurb running WinXP SP1 768mb ram with a 2.3 Ghz processor. Not industry standard anymore, but certainly sufficient for most things.
The problem is that when I use the keyboard or my touchpad, the system seems to "hang" slightly, or not respond quickly. One example: when moving the touchpad back and forth, the cursor follows responsively, but hangs now and then, as if there is not enough memory. Another example is that when I use the keyboard, everyonce in awhile it skips a keystroke.
Any ideas on how to fix this problem.