Replacing a hard drive questions

[Quixfire]

Hello, I sure this has been covered before and I apologize if you find this a useless post.

I currently have a 40GB drive using a FAT32 file system running Windows XP. I am going to install a new 80GB 8MB Cache WD hard drive very soon. My questions are as follows:

Should I reinstall my OS in FAT32 or NTFS?

What data should I back up prior to replacing the drive? (Link to a guide or list is preferred, My Documents and saved game files are a given)

Will I need to reinstall any program or software for my cable modem? (Comcast)

I currently have my e-mail setup using Outlook 2000.

Thank you for you responses.

 

[BG4533]

Reinstall the OS in NTFS unless you need FAT32 for compatibility or some other reason for another computer which I doubt. Only back up the files which you think you need. There shouldnt really be anything in Windows that you have to keep unless you want to. You should be able to export your email if you want by going to file->export->to a personal file folder or something like that. For the cable modem you shouldnt need any software except the drivers for your NIC card. XP may already include these, it does most older cards. Comcast does not give you any utilities you have to run to get online do they?

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: Quixfire
My questions are as follows:

Should I reinstall my OS in FAT32 or NTFS?
NTFS unless you have a reason not to (like running some ancient OS that doesn't understand it, in which case, you suck at Windows )

What data should I back up prior to replacing the drive? (Link to a guide or list is preferred, My Documents and saved game files are a given)
All or nothing. Either ghost the old drive to the new one, or reinstall your OS fresh onto the new drive and copy over whatever you want before blanking it.

Will I need to reinstall any program or software for my cable modem? (Comcast)
You need software for your cable modem? Damn, that sucks. Depends on whether or not you're reinstalling the OS.

I currently have my e-mail setup using Outlook 2000.
There should be an "Export Address Book" as well as "Export Messages to Folder" option. Use both if you want to keep your emails.

Thank you for you responses.
Postcount +1, and it's useful too.

- M4H