Ok so heres the problem. I need to reinstall windows, but I want to keep all my intsalled programs and settings, I know this is impossible, but what would be the easiest way to come close?

also, Is there any way to keep the programs installed after reinstalling windows?
for example, when I have to reinstall firefox, is there a way I can keep the settings?

I know this is a ridiculously written thread, but I'm in a hurry.
any help appreciated

Guess you could copy the applicable folder(s) to a CD, but it almost as easy to just to it manually, PS is the exception. You can use MS back-up wizard for OE, and such. Backup data manually. You should always use a separate HD for data. If your reloading because of malware save only the data base! Get the latest mobo drivers, make sure your mobo bios is current, reflash if necessary. Zero out the HD before you start your reload, always. Protect the fresh load for the internet until firewall(s) are in place. Be careful what you load, and enjoy your minty fresh OS!

XP, right?

I'm 99% sure that it'll allow you to keep all your present data, and only overwrite the Windows system data.

Posted by stealthy XP, right? I'm 99% sure that it'll allow you to keep all your present data, and only overwrite the Windows system data.

You don't want to do that. It can cause an unstable, and/or slow OS. Do a full zero out (DO THIS BEFORE YOU FORMAT!) of the HD after backing up data, then a clean reinstall. If your trying to salvage data on the OS drive that the OS is crashed; Take a second HD, load on that, then recover the data from the original HD. If you take short cuts you will pay for it with a goofy OS! I assume you using XP, always use XP Pro whenever possible.

I don't need to reinstall due to a virus. Its because a long while back I Installed office 2007,(stupid me) and I couldn't uninstall it. It corrupted outlook, so I can't use my PDA sync with calander.( I've tried everything, the only option is to reinstall windows) Ya I'm using xp pro, I'm going to do a backup tonight with the built in windows software, and also do a manual back up of the C drive by copying the stuff over to an external HDD.

One question. If I reinstall windows, then do a full restore from my backup with the built in windows software, will it return my OS to exactly the same state before I reinstalled windows, or does it only work for the same install of windows?

aaand one other question. If I reinstall the OS, wouldnt the registry be erased and render most installed programs useless?

Thanks for dealing with me guys. I'm in a jam.

First don't count on backup wizard to back you up! It should save your OE settings, and data, but if there's a problem with the settings you may wish to do it yourself. I use it to back up OE data only; malware can hide there. Make a copy of your desktop theme if you like it. Remember to make a copy of your firefox bookmarks, and save on a CD. Always have TWO backup copies of data; shit happens! Make a "to do" list BEFORE you start. Write down the drivers, and steps, passwords as you load. Sometimes a reload turns into 2+ reloads. All programs will have to be reloaded. You don't want nothing off that old stinking registry anyway! Your always better off starting with a clean load, it takes time, but it's worth it. Remember to optimize Windows Services once the OS is online. Kill MS messenger with GPedit.

Posted by stealthy XP, right? I'm 99% sure that it'll allow you to keep all your present data, and only overwrite the Windows system data.

Yeah, but as someone else once said, and I believe it was Chainsaw:

Reinstalling Windows over another install of Windows is like keeping the same condom from partner to partner. You're just transferring your problems.

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to start reinstalling it on saturday. I have one question. How would I go about partitioning a RAID drive? Would it be recommended? The reason I need to do this is because I need a separate drive, yet all my HDD connector slots on the motherboard are full. My only other option would be to buy a pci express controller card and connect the HDD to that. I'll look into it this weekend.

Posted by Factor VIII Thanks for the replies. I'm going to start reinstalling it on saturday. I have one question. How would I go about partitioning a RAID drive? Would it be recommended? The reason I need to do this is because I need a separate drive, yet all my HDD connector slots on the motherboard are full. My only other option would be to buy a pci express controller card and connect the HDD to that. I'll look into it this weekend.

Get the HD's zero out utility from whoever the manufacturer is: Western Digital, Seagate, etc. Free up one of your IDE ports and make a bootable floppy with the zero out utility on it. Boot to it; you use the utility in a DOS enviroment. Zero-out all HD's that will be raided. It's important to do this, not doing so can crash the load!

After the HD's are zeroed, connect them into the raid card, or mobo if the controller is on it. Start loading XP, punch the F-6 options when it asks for it. You must do this! Have the raid drivers, and on a floppy, load all that are needed, there should be two, load the first, and then repeat with the second. Windows will load normally from there, use Windows to partition the raided drives. Windows will see the array as one logic drive.