I want to format without losing programs is this a viable method?

[Mikendi]

I partitioned a "D" drive off the hdd in PM and am copying program files over to it. I want to format C and do a clean install. Is this a viable option, or is there a better method. Thanks

 

[miltimj]

Copy over your preferences, and any obvious files that get created after installation (e.g. mailboxes in Eudora). Copy all your extra documents, etc, that you save from Word, Excel, etc, to your D: drive. Then you can format and clean install the OS. Then copy over your saved files. Just make sure you look thoroughly through your program files. I always use two partitions anyway.. one with the programs & OS, and one partition with the files I created.

 

[ugh]

Agree with miltimj. Make sure you also export your bookmarks in IE as well. If you're using Outlook Express, backup your mailboxes if you want to. Find the folder at Tools->Options->Maintenance->Store Folder.

 

[shathal]

Just to be on the safe side, you might want to copy the Windoze / Program Files directories (if you've got the HDD-space) over to a temporary area on it. Better to have a "full" File-backup of everything, just in case you need it.

Paranoia pays off in the business - better to go overboard rather than finding out the hard way "Damn - forgot file XYZ ... smeg!".

Not that I've not experienced the above first-hand ... *innocent whistle*

Just trying to help .

 

[Mikendi]

Thanks - I've got the space no problem and copied the entire Program files and my netscape folder over to D: I'm rebuilding the system with SCSI and want a clean install to ghost over to the new drive. This old IBM is getting long in the tooth and is slow compaired to my SCSI system.

 

[mastertech01]

I would just do the clean install on the SCSI drive and transfer your files from the old drive that you want to save.. IMHO

 

[RustyNale]

I'm with MasterTech on this one, why go through the extra work? Just do a clean install on the SCSI and copy the files you need and want.

 

[Mikendi]

Thank's for seconding the motion - after reading my own reply the light went on . . . DOH!!! Need . . . More . . . GINKO

 

[Demon-Xanth]

deltree c:\windows does something similar. But all settings in the registry and/or windows directory are hosed as well as all .dll files pertaining to the programs.

I've found regclean and clnsys directory to be a good replacement for reformats if done regularly.

 

[shathal]

Hmm - Regclean helped me to a degree. I think the longest I ever went on a system (W98) without giving in to Reformat was 1 year ... they end up being necessary - even with MSCONFIG & trying to keep your system clean you end up with crap slowing your system down.

Hmmm ... OS "Features" I suppose .

 

[Mikendi]

Yeah this has been slowing down for a while & defrag even quit working in safe mode so it's time to give it the ream-n-clean. I'll do a fresh install on the new SCSI drive and move stuff over form the old one. The drive is good with no bad sectors showing after running IBM DFT so it's a Windows thing. Thanks for the input -