Installing Windows XP without destroying data

[Tony D]

I embarrassed to say that I've only done XP Repairs and Clean Installs. If you followed my thread on XP Repair Copy Errors, then you know that I will reinstall Windows on the XP Pro machine.

 

Is anyone familiar with installing Windows to a new folder? I'd like to do this in hopes of not having to backup user data and restoring the data afterwards.

 

I'm wondering if Windows is installed into a new folder, does Windows ask which installation to use when starting? If so, can this be overcome by simply deleting the existing Windows folder and then installing Windows in a new folder titled Windows.

[Goku]

Hello Tony. As far as I know Windows XP gives you an option to leave the current partition intact when installing Windows, so you can always use that option if you want to save all your data. Such a kind of installation will probably also be similar to one you are thinking to achieve. The other and more safer option is to install Windows XP on a second hard drive or partition or if possible, even on a flash drive and boot from it. That way, you will be up and running to back all your important data and start afresh. I don't know if this makes sense or not so ask back if there is some confusion. Good Luck. :)

 

-- Goku

[Guest Wolfeymole]

To want to do as you say Tony then first of all you'd have to partition the main C: drive to accommodate windows as a dual boot scenario.

 

What I'd do is install a spare hard drive as slave in this guys machine and back up all his personal stuff to that, delete windows and do a new install.

 

Then transfer all the stuff back and it will be as good as new.

[AdvancedSetup]

Basically you just choose a different folder to install to. Typically only done for repair or recover reasons as the current applications though installed on the other installation are not known with the new installation and thus all the programs and customization need to be done again.