Win XP Pro install question...

JustinJustin Atlanta
edited February 2004 in Science & Tech
Just curious, I am installing Win XP pro on a Hard drive I used to use as a storage drive in another system. This will now be the primary drive in a new system. Will I lose any data on this drive once win XP sets itself up on it or will it just create the folders and such to run itself and leave the current info residing on the disk alone? I am just concerned because I can't really afford to risk losing anything on the drive. Please let me know. This is elementary I know but hey even us veterans (somehow I have recieved that subtitle from Short-Media) need a refresher now and then. Thanks!!!

Comments

  • croc_croc_ New
    edited February 2004
    When it asks what partition to install on, choose the one that is already there. Don't delete, or create a new partition. When it asks to format the partition, say no. Thats about it. It should install fine and you wont lose any data.
  • ginipigginipig OH, NOES
    edited February 2004
    Everything will be there, but the new registry won't recognise it, imo. You'll need to reinstall the programs to the old locations, and (hopefully) Windows will restore the old settings.
  • croc_croc_ New
    edited February 2004
    ginipig wrote:
    Everything will be there, but the new registry won't recognise it, imo. You'll need to reinstall the programs to the old locations, and (hopefully) Windows will restore the old settings.

    But all of your "DATA" will be intact. Since you said it was a storage drive, I am assuming it had documents/music/movies etc?
  • profdlpprofdlp The Holy City Of Westlake, Ohio
    edited February 2004
    ourlove2802 wrote:
    ...I can't really afford to risk losing anything on the drive...
    The others have you covered as far as your question goes. :thumbsup:

    I just wanted to nag you about performing backups. You are playing Russian Roulette with your data if you keep stuff you "can't really afford to risk losing" in a single location, especially something like a HD which could malfunction at any time. Backup! :rockon:
  • JustinJustin Atlanta
    edited February 2004
    Thanks Everybody and yes, the info is music, movies, ect. Yes, Some things are backed up but I am talking about 250GB here, that is a lot of DVDs to write. Backup will comence, and I will proceed with the instalation. Thank You again for all your help! SO, how did I become a veteran anyway?
  • profdlpprofdlp The Holy City Of Westlake, Ohio
    edited February 2004
    ourlove2802 wrote:
    SO, how did I become a veteran anyway?
    I think you get that after 100 posts.

    BTW: You can go to your User CP (Edit Profile) and edit that, if you want something more personal. "Veteran" is cool, though. :cool2:
  • JustinJustin Atlanta
    edited February 2004
    I certianly have some battle scars... :rolleyes:
  • profdlpprofdlp The Holy City Of Westlake, Ohio
    edited February 2004
    We all have them. The path to true geekhood usually goes like this:

    1) Get first computer; learn basics

    2) Learn a little more; screw things up

    3) Get help; learn even more

    4) Get cocky; really screw things up

    5) Get more help; learn much more

    6) Become a true expert; taunt noobs mercilessly


    You look like you're just about ready for Step 4! :vimp:

    (Just Kiddin' Ya!) :bigggrin:
  • JustinJustin Atlanta
    edited February 2004
    After the last system I tried to build from scratch, I think I am full flegged step 4... :aol:
  • primesuspectprimesuspect Beepin n' Boopin Detroit, MI Icrontian
    edited February 2004
    You forgot Step 7:

    7) Realize that you know nothing and give up
  • JustinJustin Atlanta
    edited February 2004
    I will never admit to knowing nothing!!! I will learn everything there is to know, get it all confused, and effectively crash the World Wide Web!!! Is that too much to ask?
  • JengoJengo Pasco, WA | USA
    edited February 2004
    HA HA, that was good, and that is entirely true, that is exactly how i learned

    :bigggrin:
    profdlp wrote:
    We all have them. The path to true geekhood usually goes like this:

    1) Get first computer; learn basics

    2) Learn a little more; screw things up

    3) Get help; learn even more

    4) Get cocky; really screw things up

    5) Get more help; learn much more

    6) Become a true expert; taunt noobs mercilessly


    You look like you're just about ready for Step 4! :vimp:

    (Just Kiddin' Ya!) :bigggrin:
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