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Reinstalling Windows XP

J

JackAlias

Junior Member
This is sort of noobish, but I am reinstalling windows XP and was wondering if there are any tips you guys might have as far as setting up a stable system. I will appreciate info on any utilities that are a must have, or techniques that people have found to be helpful in setting up something that will be stable, secure, and long lasting.
Also I am curious about what people are thinking about the various free anti-virus programs/ad-ware etc. I have been running ad-aware and spybot.
In addition, if anyone has any thought or opinions about whether it better to run most online activities from a limited account, as opposed to an admin, I would like to hear them. Thank you.


ASUS SLI-A8N
AMD Athlon 64 3700
eVGA NVIDIA 7800 GT 256
WDC 250 SATA
2 Gig Corsair PC32000
D-link Di-634m router
 
first thing i do is install a Firewall and anti-virus. my preferred ones are ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite with ad-aware and such. Then update windows.

i change the settings for performance. i don't like the "fisher price" look of xp and prefer the slimer look of 2k.

thing is, if you are careful and don't install crap, there is no reason why windows shouldn't be stable.
 
run the limited account. It is much harder for malware to screw up the system that way. ONLY run admin account when installing stuff. Also turn on data execution prevention for all programs as opposed to the default setting (at work, cant remember what they call it)
 
Originally posted by: ForumMaster
first thing i do is install a Firewall and anti-virus. my preferred ones are ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite with ad-aware and such. Then update windows.
Click to expand...
I do that and more when installing the OS. I use the following:

1. Anti-virus software:

2. Zone Alarm firewall. The free version is fine.

3. WinDoctor, from Norton System Works.

4. Ad-Aware

5. Spybot

6. Norton Ghost. This requires a second hard drive, preferably exactly the same as your main drive.

Download all the free ones, and have the installation files on a CD or another drive before you start.

Here's what I do:

1. With NO connection to the Internet, do the base install of XP. DO NOT go for any updates.

2. Install your motherboard and video card drivers.

3. Create a folder, Download, and copy the installation files for Ad-Aware, Spybot and Zone Alarm to separate sub-folders in it. That will give you a place to d/l updated versions as they become available.

4. Install Ad-Aware, Spybot and Zone Alarm, but don't opt to update them immediately. You'll get to that.

5. Intall your AV. If you get System Works, it includes your AV, along with WinDoctor. If you get System Works Pro, it probably includes Norton Ghost.

At this point, the system will have to reboot to continue.

6. Before you go any further, Ghost your drive. Ghost creates a functional clone of your drive. If anything you do next screws up, you can Ghost back from your clone drive to your main one. If your main drive dies, the clone will plug in and run so you're always as safe as your last Ghost.

7. Run WinDoctor. It will clean a lot of garbage from your registry and keep your installation on track.

8. Run Ad-Aware and Spybot. They will find stuff worth deleting, just from Micro$oft.

9. Ghost your drive. If the next step fails, you can return to this point, instead of starting over.

10. Reboot with your internet connection on.

11. Go for your AV updates FIRST!

12. Start the tedious process of getting your Windows updates. While you're online, you can also get your Ad-Aware and Spybot updates.

13. When you reboot, run WinDoctor, Ad-Aware and Spybot again. Do this after EVERY reboot during your Windows updating.

Continue the process of installing the next item, running WinDoctor, Ad-Aware and Spybot, and Ghosting the drive. Ghosting will take you 5 - 10 minutes each time, depending on your drives and your motherboard, but it will save you a lot of time if it avoids having to start over, even once. 🙂
 
Originally posted by: JackAlias
In addition, if anyone has any thought or opinions about whether it better to run most online activities from a limited account, as opposed to an admin, I would like to hear them.
Click to expand...
IMO, running as a limited user is the single most important thing you can do to keep your machine running stable after simply staying up-to-date on patches.

 
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