XP Pro install question

[ArmchairAthlete]

I got a free copy of Windows XP Pro along with a bunch of other MS software from my school (some MSDNAA thing). I want to install XP Pro, but I don't have a spare drive or a DVD Burner to use to back up my gigs of stuff.

Now, I understand that I can install XP Pro without reformatting and keep my data intact (I'm on 2000 Pro now). But I do like a clean install... How bad would it be to install XP without reformatting? How will my programs/drivers work? (I imagine I should need to reinstall some of all of that stuff).

I do have to buy another HDD, a DVDRW drive, or try to find someone with a spare blank drive (kinda difficult) if I'm going to reformat, but if it's significantly better than not doing a clean install I'll take care of it.

 

[madthumbs]

Why not do a clean install instead of reformat? You should be able to install it to the same directory, then when it should give you the option of deleting the old windows install (not format). Just backup anything in windows directories like "my documents", address book, etc.

 

[b4u]

Why not do the following ... install Partition Magic 8, create a secondary partition, copy all your data to that secondary partition.

Then you can format the first partition and install a clean copy of windows there, without touching your data on your second partition.

That's an easy option for me, I can use Partition Magic 8 to create a new partition without destroying the existing one, but that software costs money, and I bet there are good alternatives around, that do the same trick without loosing the data (with a format), and being shareware or even freeware, which costs a lot less 🙂

I personally have a 120Gb disk, which is separated into a 20Gb for OS and programs and a 90Gb for data only. Somewhere in the near future I'll need to do a clean install, and I'll just format the 20Gb one, install all stuff on it, rest assured my data is safe on my 90Gb partition.

If you're to do that move, you could think on this possibility, so you can safe time+efford on doing it again latter on.

You can check this thread for some free apps, there is an app listed there, Ranish Partition Manager that I would give it a look, as a replacement for Partition Magic 8 I used, but I don't know if it changes/creates partitions without needing of formating them ... have a look at it.

 

[ArmchairAthlete]

Thanks b4u. I think I'll do this to minimize risk:

1) Burn critical data on a CD. I don't have much right now so this works.
2) Use Partition Magic or similar program to make a partition for music, video, other data that isn't critical but that I'd like to keep.
3) Move that data there, format the partition Windows 2000 Pro is installed on.
4) Install XP Pro and pray everything is still there when I'm back to a desktop =)

I've heard of Partition Magic before, so I suppose people seem to like it.