Big Noob Question...

[drpootums]

Ok, i think this is one of the biggest noob questions on here, but what do you do to reformat the HDD?

And next, the bios doesnt have to do anything, so i just put my XP installer CD in and it reinstalls right?

And next, what's the best thing to do to make sure it's virus free while i'm updating XP? I have Kerio firewall, Spyware Blocker, AVG v7.0, and hosts (prevents bad popups from ever...popping up), but none of it will be updated, so will it be ok if i get AVG and Kerio updated right away and then do the other stuff or can u just update AVG and burn it directly to a CD from the Grisoft folder?


Anyways, thanks for helping a software noob out...

 

[BlueWeasel]

You may have to go into the BIOS and make sure your CD/DVD drive is set as the first boot device. Otherwise, it will attempt to boot from the hard drive and not the CD.

You have the option of reformatting the C:\ partition at the beginning of the installation.

Personally, I'd just install/update your antivirus and firewall of choice, and make sure real-time protection is enabled while you are updating XP. The other security fixes can wait until later.

 

[drpootums]

Oh, BTW, i forgot to mention my Windows Updates problem...

I was selecting the updates to install (choose the updates and when to install them option) and it was fine for a while, but after i downloaded 2 of the updates and there was an error, i selected to stop Updates, and tried to resume them (assuming that those two that had errors had gone away), but now I cannot for the life of me get them to start again! That's why i kinda thought reformat/reinstall was the best idea...

Anyways, thanks for the help so far...

 

[Navid]

Originally posted by: drpootums
Ok, i think this is one of the biggest noob questions on here, but what do you do to reformat the HDD?

And next, the bios doesnt have to do anything, so i just put my XP installer CD in and it reinstalls right?

And next, what's the best thing to do to make sure it's virus free while i'm updating XP? I have Kerio firewall, Spyware Blocker, AVG v7.0, and hosts (prevents bad popups from ever...popping up), but none of it will be updated, so will it be ok if i get AVG and Kerio updated right away and then do the other stuff or can u just update AVG and burn it directly to a CD from the Grisoft folder?

While installing XP, you will be given a chance to reformat. So, there is no need to do that before installation.
No, it is better to set the boot priority in the BIOS to boot from CD and then put the XP CD in and reboot.

The best thing to do is to make sure that you have an XP SP2 CD. If you don't you can slipstream SP2. Then, your installation will not be as vulnerable.
After installation, install your firewall first. Then, update it.
Then, install your Anti-Virus and update it.
Then, do the windows updates to get the critical updates.

 

[Buz2b]

Originally posted by: Navid

Originally posted by: drpootums
Ok, i think this is one of the biggest noob questions on here, but what do you do to reformat the HDD?

And next, the bios doesnt have to do anything, so i just put my XP installer CD in and it reinstalls right?

And next, what's the best thing to do to make sure it's virus free while i'm updating XP? I have Kerio firewall, Spyware Blocker, AVG v7.0, and hosts (prevents bad popups from ever...popping up), but none of it will be updated, so will it be ok if i get AVG and Kerio updated right away and then do the other stuff or can u just update AVG and burn it directly to a CD from the Grisoft folder?

While installing XP, you will be given a chance to reformat. So, there is no need to do that before installation.
No, it is better to set the boot priority in the BIOS to boot from CD and then put the XP CD in and reboot.

The best thing to do is to make sure that you have an XP SP2 CD. If you don't you can slipstream SP2. Then, your installation will not be as vulnerable.
After installation, install your firewall first. Then, update it.
Then, install your Anti-Virus and update it.
Then, do the windows updates to get the critical updates.

You can order SP2 on CD, free of charge from Microsoft here.
You should download (or have someone do it for you) the AVG 7 install file, your spyware blocker install file and the install file for your firewall. And yes, you can just burn it all to a CD.
After formatting/reinstalling XP from the CD, do not go online at first. Install the firewall, spyware blocker and AVG first. Then go online and update all three. Then you can worry about SP2; either download or get the CD from the site linked above. BTW, they ship pretty fast so it won't be a long wait. And the price is right. Do the pop-up blocker last; it's the least of your worries. After you install SP2, along with the other items, make sure the Windows Update is turned on and downloading.

I was selecting the updates to install (choose the updates and when to install them option) and it was fine for a while, but after i downloaded 2 of the updates and there was an error, i selected to stop Updates, and tried to resume them (assuming that those two that had errors had gone away), but now I cannot for the life of me get them to start again! That's why i kinda thought reformat/reinstall was the best idea...

Sounds like you might have had a Firewall problem. Did you try (briefly as an experiment) turning off the firewall to see if you could get the update to run? Just a thought.

 

[Navid]

Originally posted by: Buz2b
You should download (or have someone do it for you) the AVG 7 install file, your spyware blocker install file and the install file for your firewall. And yes, you can just burn it all to a CD.
After formatting/reinstalling XP from the CD, do not go online at first. Install the firewall, spyware blocker and AVG first. Then go online and update all three. Then you can worry about SP2;

There have been many critical updates released since pre SP1. It is taking a big risk going on line with a pre-SP1 XP even with a firewall.
That is why I suggested slipstreaming SP2 into the XP CD first. It is easy to do and there are numerous guides on line explaining how it can be done.

You can also just download SP2 and just install XP and then install SP2. Even that is better than going online with a pre-SP1 XP system. Although, installing XP first and then installing SP2 is not as clean as slipstreaming SP2.

Either way, do not go online to get SP2 after you have done your installation. Prepare your XP CD first before you do the installation.

 

[Buz2b]

Originally posted by: Navid

Originally posted by: Buz2b
You should download (or have someone do it for you) the AVG 7 install file, your spyware blocker install file and the install file for your firewall. And yes, you can just burn it all to a CD.
After formatting/reinstalling XP from the CD, do not go online at first. Install the firewall, spyware blocker and AVG first. Then go online and update all three. Then you can worry about SP2;

There have been many critical updates released since pre SP1. It is taking a big risk going on line with a pre-SP1 XP even with a firewall.
That is why I suggested slipstreaming SP2 into the XP CD first. It is easy to do and there are numerous guides on line explaining how it can be done.

You can also just download SP2 and just install XP and then install SP2. Even that is better than going online with a pre-SP1 XP system. Although, installing XP first and then installing SP2 is not as clean as slipstreaming SP2.

Either way, do not go online to get SP2 after you have done your installation. Prepare your XP CD first before you do the installation.

Beg to differ on two accounts. First, it is not a "big risk" going online before updating to SP2. Hell, half the country (if not more) still have not updated to SP2. Is it as safe as slipstreaming SP2 to the install process? No, of course not. However, I'd venture a guess that of all the reinstalls done in just the US over the past year, there were probably less than 1% that were done with slipstreamed updates (taking OEM's out of the equations). Of the 99% that didn't do that, I'd bet the farm that at least 99.9%+ of those had no trouble as long as they went about doing what was necessary to keep themselves safe, such as updating their security software and installing SP2 and other WinXP updates ASAP. But that brings in the second point; we are (by his own admission) helping a less-than-experienced user here. Even with "numerous guides" posted about slipstreaming, it is still not that easy for some; especially those with limited experience. That is why I suggested and linked to the MS site to order SP2 on CD. That is also why I suggested he burn the install files for his other utilities to a CD. That way he could install each of them without exposing his system to the internet while unprotected. With Antivirus, firewall and spyware blocking installed, it would not be a "big risk" to go online. Also, having SP2 on CD will drastically limit the amount of time he has to be online beore the system is up to date.
I take security very seriously also. Don't think otherwise. I think what I suggested is more than adequate for a home user. You must also keep in mind that immediately after a fresh install, there will be no personal files or information woth stealing or loaded as yet. And, as long as the user sets up and utilizes a "Limited" account in XP (except for during the necessary software installs) and password protects the Administrator account, he'll be very safe. Perhaps you read too much into my last statement of the previous post when I said "then he can worry about SP2."

 

[Navid]

Originally posted by: Buz2b
Beg to differ on two accounts. First, it is not a "big risk" going online before updating to SP2. Hell, half the country (if not more) still have not updated to SP2. Is it as safe as slipstreaming SP2 to the install process? No, of course not. However, I'd venture a guess that of all the reinstalls done in just the US over the past year, there were probably less than 1% that were done with slipstreamed updates (taking OEM's out of the equations). Of the 99% that didn't do that, I'd bet the farm that at least 99.9%+ of those had no trouble as long as they went about doing what was necessary to keep themselves safe, such as updating their security software and installing SP2 and other WinXP updates ASAP. But that brings in the second point; we are (by his own admission) helping a less-than-experienced user here. Even with "numerous guides" posted about slipstreaming, it is still not that easy for some; especially those with limited experience. That is why I suggested and linked to the MS site to order SP2 on CD. That is also why I suggested he burn the install files for his other utilities to a CD. That way he could install each of them without exposing his system to the internet while unprotected. With Antivirus, firewall and spyware blocking installed, it would not be a "big risk" to go online. Also, having SP2 on CD will drastically limit the amount of time he has to be online beore the system is up to date.
I take security very seriously also. Don't think otherwise. I think what I suggested is more than adequate for a home user. You must also keep in mind that immediately after a fresh install, there will be no personal files or information woth stealing or loaded as yet. And, as long as the user sets up and utilizes a "Limited" account in XP (except for during the necessary software installs) and password protects the Administrator account, he'll be very safe. Perhaps you read too much into my last statement of the previous post when I said "then he can worry about SP2."

It is quite possible that I missed that he has SP1. If he does not, and he follows your instructions, he will be going online with a pre-SP1 machine. That is even more risky than going online with a pre-SP2, which seems to be what you are assuming.

If slipstreaming is the issue, he can just download SP2 and apply it before going online as I also suggested as an alternative.

I tend to be on the extreme safe side and not recommend anything that has the slightest possibility ....
You are right; it is possible to do what you recommend and not get compromised. But, I wouldn't do it.

 

[Buz2b]

Navid, you're right. I am "ass-uming" he has a SP1 version. Why? Because of his sig file; specifically the "new pc" notation and the Heat evals that do not include the necessary parts to build said system. Because of the apparent lack of experience with loading/reinstalling the OS, I'm thinking this was something pre-packaged or built recently for him; hence my assumption. I could be totally wrong though. If so, again, please realize the time frame of "exposure" I'm talking about and the situation involved. Before he goes online and "ass-uming" he follows the suggestions involved, when he does first go online it will be after new installs of Firewall, Antivirus and spyware apps. That will mitigate significantly any accidental exposure to problems. In addition, doing simple updates to those apps will not mean an extended time online; depending upon the speed of his connection. Yes, there are vulnerabilities in XP; pre SP1 AND post SP1 but in this case I don't think that will be an issue.
Another issue that perhaps I should make clear is that the SP2 CD I suggested he order from MS contains the SP1 elements needed for the upgrade. So, there would be no need to download either of those and extend his exposure time.
I think we both have what's best in mind; security. I just think that, given this situation and the lack of further input from the OP, what I have described is more than adequate for his needs. That is not a criticisem of your suggestions at all; they are excellent but probably not practical or absolutely necessary at this point. Of course, further input from the OP could clear up a lot.

 

[Navid]

Let me clarify something.
Do not install XP and then go online downloading SP2! That is not what I meant. I meant to suggest that you download SP2, using a secure computer, before you start the installation.

 

[Farmer]

Here is a good guide:

http://www.cyberwalker.net/faqs/reinstall-reformat-winxp/reformat-NTFS-XP.html

Also, listen to Buz2b/Navid; do not connect your fresh XP install to the Internet until SP2 and Firewall/AV/Spyblock are active.

 

[drpootums]

Well, ok, thanks for all of the help so far.

Anyways, this is what i'm planning on doing:
-Install AVG 7.0
-Install Kerio Personal Firewall
-Install SpywareBlocker
-Register XP (again...)
-I have dial-up, so i'll install Earthlink software next
-Go online quickly to update AVG/Kerio/SB
-Go online and DL every update for XP available overnight
-Run AVG's scanner to make sure that everything is safe

Does that sound ok? I've heard of a lot of problems with SP2, so i'll just get everything else setup first

If that isnt good, then please just let me know.


Oh, and BTW, i dont wanna sound like a big noob on this one either, but when i put the XP disk in, and then go to install xp, and then go to a new install...etc. and then go though the reboot process etc...it comes to a part where it says that i can DELETE partition C...is that the same thing as reformatting? If not, i'll just do the thing with the guide that Farmer gave me

And thanks all for the imput, MUCH appreciated

 

[drpootums]

Oh wait, i downloaded SP2 on my mom's computer a few months ago, is it possible to burn that on a cd for me?

If so...how?

 

[Buz2b]

Originally posted by: drpootums
Well, ok, thanks for all of the help so far.

Anyways, this is what i'm planning on doing:
-Install AVG 7.0
-Install Kerio Personal Firewall
-Install SpywareBlocker
-Register XP (again...)
-I have dial-up, so i'll install Earthlink software next
-Go online quickly to update AVG/Kerio/SB
-Go online and DL every update for XP available overnight
-Run AVG's scanner to make sure that everything is safe

Does that sound ok? I've heard of a lot of problems with SP2, so i'll just get everything else setup first

If that isnt good, then please just let me know.


Oh, and BTW, i dont wanna sound like a big noob on this one either, but when i put the XP disk in, and then go to install xp, and then go to a new install...etc. and then go though the reboot process etc...it comes to a part where it says that i can DELETE partition C...is that the same thing as reformatting? If not, i'll just do the thing with the guide that Farmer gave me

And thanks all for the imput, MUCH appreciated

Ok, a couple of things. Here is another guide that will give you some more insight into the install. Deleting is not formatting but it does sort of do the same thing. Once you delete the partition you will be prompted to create a partition upon which to install XP. That will in essence remove all previous partitions and create a new one, wiping out and overwriting your previous installation.
As to your "list of events" you want to follow, there are a couple of suggestions I might give. First, did you order the SP2 CD? Second, and in referrence to your second post below that one, If you downloaded SP2 on your mom's computer, the install file is probably still there unless you deleted it. If you know where you put the SP2 install file, yes you can burn it to a CD. Do you have any burning software? Since she has XP, you can just use the burning utility that comes with XP. Go here to see how to do this in XP. It's pretty simple.
"Ass-uming" you get SP2 on CD (either from MS or by burning it to CD from your moms), here is the list as I would do it.
1). After you do the new install of XP, you can register (and will be given the opportunity to do so) via phone. It takes about 5 minutes. Do this instead of going online as you mentioned earlier.
2). Install AVG 7.0
3). Install Kerio Personal Firewall
4). Install SpywareBlocker
5). Install SP2 CD (caveat here is that you may need to install the SP1 utility on the CD if you got it from MS. If so, that CD utility will tell you). That's why I prefer that you use the MS CD you can order. However, you can certainly try to use the SP2 file you downloaded for your mom's system if you get it on CD.
6). Install Earthlink software
7). Go online and update your AV, firewall and Spyware blocker.
8). Go to the Windows Update site and run the Check System utility on your system to see what updates you need to download. Start this process and install the updates.
9). Run a System Restore to create a Restore Point at this point in the process.
If you aren't familiar with System Restore, there is a ton of info on this page. To create a restore point, scroll down about half way to find that section of instructions.
10) Start loading any drivers you need for your hardware. Start with the graphics drivers. If you were truely prepared, you would have these on a CD already.
11) Create another Restore Point after you get all your drivers loaded properly. Do this before installing any other programs.
12). One step I would do that we haven't discussed is System Backup software. It would be at this point that I would run something like Norton Ghost (newest version) to create a backup image of your pristine install. This of course, is purely optional.
The previous list is a "rough guide" as to how I would do it, assuming you have SP2 on CD. If not, and as I mentioned in a previous post, you can certainly go online to get SP2 (it takes forever to download) and/or get updates before installing SP2. But even doing that will prompt you to download SP2.
Again, I'd order the CD from MS. It makes things much simpler.
Good luck.

 

[drpootums]

I ordered the CD from Microsoft, but i may just reformat/register over the phone and just stay offline until that arrives. Then i'll install SP2/AVG/SB/Kerio and update everything

Thanks for all the advise, it sure is making this a lot easier (oh, and BTW, i'm not so big of a noob that i dont know how to burn cd's lol!)

 

[Buz2b]

Originally posted by: drpootums
Thanks for all the advise, it sure is making this a lot easier (oh, and BTW, i'm not so big of a noob that i dont know how to burn cd's lol!)

Sorry about that. I didn't want to assume anything; just in case. If they stay consistant, MS should get that CD to you in less than two weeks. Sometimes there free CD offers come sooner though.